Rest of Santa Cruz Island to Become Park

The U.S. Senate on Thursday passed a sweeping parks bill that forces the last individual owner of land on Santa Cruz Island to sell his interest, thus completing the Channel Islands National Park.

The measure, which awaits President Clinton’s signature, could allow the federal government to take control of the 6,200-acre ranch within 90 days and to turn the island 20 miles off the Ventura coast into a publicly owned camping and hiking destination.

“I applaud the Senate’s actions in passing the parks bill because the last puzzle piece of this national treasure can finally be put into place,” said Rep. Andrea Seastrand (R-Shell Beach). “Santa Cruz Island belongs to all of us, and by protecting this amazing resource, the Central Coast will continue to enjoy it for future generations.”

As the park grows, so too will Santa Cruz Island as a tourist draw, providing an alternative to the smaller Anacapa Island, which sees most of the park’s traffic.

“Santa Cruz is closer to individuals leaving from Santa Barbara,” said Carol Spears, a spokeswoman for the national park. “It will provide easier access to the park than some of the outer islands.”

The bill also calls for changing the name of the park’s visitors center to honor the man who authored the initial legislation designating the five-island park: former Ventura County Rep. Robert J. Lagomarsino.

For years, the National Park Service has been negotiating with property owner Francis Gherini to purchase Gherini’s remaining one-quarter interest of the ranch on the east end of the island. The land has been in Gherini’s family since 1869.

But Gherini has held out, saying that the government was trying to take his land at less than fair market value.