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Community Corner

The Ribbon is Cut for Paula Lane Open Space

Glass, Torliatt, Barrett and Renee wielded the giant scissors to signify close of escrow on Paula Lane property

 

About 60 supporters, friends of (P.L.A.N.), and elected officials gathered at Paula Lane and Sunset Drive on Thursday, May 17th, for a ribbon cutting ceremony to a significant step forward toward the creation of the , an 11.22 acre property in West Petaluma.

Petaluma Mayor , former Mayor , City Councilmember and City Councilmember , along with Assistant City Manager Scott Brodhun and City Manager John Brown nearby, used large ceremonial scissors to cut a baby-blue ribbon tied to fence posts to signify close of escrow, and beginning of the project's future.

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"Hundreds of wildlife species will be saved and can live in their habitat and movement area forever," said , Board Chairperson of P.L.A.N.

According to the Wildlife Inventory List for Paula Lane, American Badger, a California Species of Concern, has a 100-year-old core maternal area on the land, and over 100 avian species migrate to or reside in the area, along with multiple other upland species, such as deer, foxes, and several reptiles and amphibians.

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"For now," said Kirks, "the wildlife in this upland habitat area can live naturally and we know their habitat and movement area are saved forever. It's a significant achievement for natural resources in West Petaluma. Beginning environmental education programs for our local schools is something we anticipate with quiet joy."

The ceremony was the latest step in the 12-year process of advocacy by the nonprofit Paula Lane Action Network, in partnership with the City of Petaluma, to gain a protected open space property for southern Sonoma County. Guests gathered across from the property to enjoy refreshments from PS to Go Catering and homemade cookies and beverages following the ribbon cutting.

The by the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District's Matching Grant program. The Open Space District will place and hold a conservation easement over the property, protecting its conservation values in perpetuity.

"We'll begin drafting the project Management Plan with the City of Petaluma in the next several months and hope to have that approved by the Open Space District in the Fall of 2012," said Kirks. "This summer, we'll host a few Saturday morning walks on the property to share about project elements and how the project will be implemented over time."

P.L.A.N. also announced and presented their 2012 Badger Spirit Awards. This year's recipients include:

- Director of Communications for Sonoma Land Trust and founder of the Petaluma Animal Services Advisory Committee. Ms. Cardo's dedication to land preservation and high standards for animal care and appreciation were recognized.

Petaluma Wetlands Alliance - all volunteer conservation organization and affiliate of Madrone Audubon Society pioneered and provides the comprehensive wetlands education program and docent training program for Shollenberger Park and Alman Marsh and Petaluma's wetlands. Their efforts have been a cornerstone in documentation of biological resources for the anti-Dutra asphalt plant effort.

- FedEx Kinko's, a large national company, has local offices of excellence, described as P.L.A.N.'s second home for administrative processing and excellent service by FedEx Kinko's staff, always going above and beyond the norm to help in any way possible through many years of grant applications, documents, promotional materials and whatever was needed to support the open space effort.

P.L.A.N. also announced creation of a new award, the Selinger Award for Excellence in Conservation, created to honor Paul Selinger, one of P.L.A.N.'s founders, and unveiled new outreach information cards and T-shirts, featuring American Badger original design and artwork by artist Molly Eckler.

provided the photographs for this event.

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