Marin Audubon Society
officials announced yesterday they had closed escrow
on the $15.8 million acquisition of
630 acres of open space and wetlands in
northeast Novato's Bahia neighborhood.
"It's the best thing that's happened for a long time,"
Marin Audubon President Barbara Salzman said. "It's thrilling to be able to
put all this together."
The Bahia area includes habitat for the endangered
clapper rail, salt marsh harvest mouse and other endangered species,
according to the society.
More than 125 species of birds, including migratory
shorebirds and waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway, have been observed in
Bahia's natural habitat, Audubon officials said. They said the property also
supports more than 200 acres of a rare blue oak woodlands.
Last summer, Audubon officials, who had been eyeing the
land for some time, entered into a purchase agreement with Sonoma developer
Art Condiotti to acquire the property. Condiotti could not be reached for
comment.
Under the Audubon Society's ownership, the property
will be subdivided, Audubon officials said. About 400 acres will donated to
the California Department of Fish and Game, and close to 200 acres will be
transferred to the Marin County Open Space District. Marin Audubon will
retain approximately 55 acres for restoration purposes.
Marin Audubon Vice President Susan Ristow said
supporters of the purchase have come a long way.
