New condos should not replace condors

Sixty miles north of Los Angeles lies historic Tejon Ranch, a haven for wildlife spanning mountains, grasslands, deserts and woodlands. Tejon Ranch is one of few places that still provides a habitat for the endangered California Condor. The ranch is now facing commercial development.

A recent agreement between activist groups and developer Tejon Ranch Co. will conserve 90 percent of the habitat and protect certain ridgelines the California Condor depends on.

While the agreement does preserve a large portion of two-century-old Tejon Ranch, the development of this landmark territory is disappointing.

This recent fast-paced suburban sprawl needs to be nipped in the bud as it is threatening to dramatically reduce important, endangered natural habitats.

To fragment the large mass of land because conservation groups and developers have come to a compromise is simply not good enough. The area plays too important of a role in preserving biodiversity of both vegetation and wildlife.

The potential development includes condominiums, houses, hotels and two golf courses.

And while there are measures to preserve some of the region, the human-induced disturbance of the natural habitat poses threats of pollution, regional traffic, and decreased quality of air. Activist groups should rescind their support of the developer’s plan and leave Tejon Ranch untouched.

Unsigned editorials represent a majority opinion of the Daily Bruin Editorial Board.

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