Firm’s Aid to Condors

In reading the article “Private Sector Aids Condors’ Release” (Aug. 23), I was very disappointed to find the name of my own company, Seneca Resources (a division of Natural Fuel Gas), had been overlooked.

In 1987 Seneca learned that the overhead power lines that fueled our operations threatened the soaring paths of the California condors and therefore threatened the release project as a whole. Representatives from Seneca met voluntarily with Southern California Edison and the Department of Fish and Wildlife and offered to bury 1.6 miles of power lines. The nearly $500,000 cost of this project was shared by Seneca Resources and Southern California Edison.

Since that time, Seneca has donated the materials, equipment and people to erect special perches, elevated, bear-proofed platforms and feeding areas. We have provided maintenance to the roads in and around the sanctuary, and employees who patrol the area to deter poachers. Seneca, with the help of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, regularly holds classes for field personnel where they are taught the responsibilities associated with working around the only two California condors found anywhere in the world flying wild.

J. MICHELE TEBEAU

Environmental and Safety

Coordinator

Seneca Resources Corp.

Santa Paula