East Bay Parks Buying Contra Costa County Farmland To Help Protect Threatened Animals

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- The East Bay Regional Park District's Board of Directors voted Tuesday to purchase a tract of farmland in Contra Costa County to provide habitat for threatened animals, according to district officials.

The $6.1 million purchase of the 646-acre land in the community of Knightsen was confirmed in a unanimous vote by the district's board on Tuesday.

District officials said it would be transformed into a home for animals that have been listed as threatened or vulnerable species after habitat losses, such as the Swainson's hawk, giant garter snake and the western burrowing owl.

Besides that purpose, district officials said the restoration of this land is expected to address flooding issues in Knightsen. It may also be used for hiking, biking, kayaking or other recreational activities.

These three potential uses presented "a unique opportunity for the region," Randy Pope, chair of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy board, said in a statement.

This conservancy organization, through various grants, is providing 90 percent of the purchase price. The district is paying for the rest.

The land is being bought from the Nunn family, a longtime presence in the region's farming scene, district officials said.

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