Experts Inspect Ahmanson Habitats
A contingent of officials, biologists and staff members from two state and federal wildlife agencies visited Ahmanson Ranch on Friday to examine the habitat of a rare flower and an endangered frog on the site of a proposed housing project.
The tour of the Ventura County property where a long-debated, 3,050-home development is proposed by Washington Mutual preceded an expected decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the state Department of Fish and Game on whether to issue permits allowing the project to proceed.
The message that emerged late Friday was that the spineflower, a plant thought to be extinct, cannot be disturbed.
“They clearly understand that they have to save the land where the spineflowers are. . . . Don’t build on it,” said Michael Spear, California-Nevada operations manager for Fish and Wildlife, who attended the tour and meeting.
Tim McGarry, a vice president for Washington Mutual, said he could not comment on the statement, “not having been in on the discussions today.”
“We’re having discussions and we are working collaboratively to find the best way to preserve the species on the ranch,” McGarry added.
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