The Bakersfield California writes today that an important draft conservation plan for the Tejon Ranch should be released within a month. The plan will include conservation strategies for the California Condor and several other threatened or endangered species. The plan's approval is required before the Tejon Ranch Company can move foward with its Tejon Mountain Village development project.

Audubon California and five other environmental organizations agreed not to oppose the Tejon Mountain Village project after securing a number of assurances related to the size and nature of the project. This came as part of a larger agreement to protect as much as 240,000 acres of habitat on the Tejon Ranch. The development is still subject to public review and applicable federal and state environmental protection laws.  More here.

In addition to the condor, the Tejon Ranch is home to up to 17 bird species on the Audubon Watchlist, including Golden Eagle, Spotted Owl, Purple Martin, Willow Flycatcher, and Tricolored Blackbird.