Draft Management Plan for Three California Condor-Focused Refuges
60-Day Public Comment Period Begins for Plan Affecting Hopper Mountain, Bitter Creek, and Blue Ridge
Public input on the draft CCP will help the Service prepare a final CCP that, when completed, will guide management for the three refuges for the next 15 years. The draft CCP/EA proposes a number of goals, objectives and strategies that will enhance wildlife conservation, including the following highlights:
Hopper Mountain NWR, established in 1974 and encompassing 2,471 contiguous acres in Ventura County, just northeast of Fillmore, will increase condor management, increase outreach, and collect baseline data on resources with an emphasis on special status species.
Bitter Creek NWR, established in 1985 and encompassing nearly 14,097 acres approximately 10 miles southwest of Maricopa where Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern counties meet, will increase condor management, utilize grazing and other methods to improve habitat for special status species, and restore some springs and drainages. In addition, visitor services at the refuge will expand, including the opening of a new interpretive birding trail for the public.
