California IN BRIEF : FRESNO : Conservancy for Rare Species Urged

Rare species could be protected in a 22-mile stretch of Central California land that is being considered for becoming the state’s fifth conservancy. The San Joaquin Valley Parkway project would include wildlife preserves for the area’s pocket mice, longhorn beetles, bald eagles and great blue herons. Under a recently submitted plan, the $70-million project would be managed by a state-backed conservancy. State Secretary for Resources Doug Wheeler said the project needs support from state leaders whose budget woes may make them reluctant. He also lauded efforts by the San Joaquin River Task Force which is trying to protect the river’s corridor. “We don’t have any choice. The state has to get involved,” Wheeler said. Only four other California conservancies exist--in Lake Tahoe, the Santa Monica Mountains, Coachella Valley and the Santa Rosa Mountains, said Sacramento consultant Pete Dangermond.