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猶他州成立白圓頂自然保留區

2007年07月02日
摘譯自2007年6月26日ENS美國,猶他州報導;吳萃慧編譯;蔡麗伶審校

白圓頂自然保留區珍貴的野花dwarf bear poppy (圖片來源:The Nature Conservancy)美國自然保育協會(The Nature Conservancy)6月25日宣布他們在聖喬治購買了一處55英畝的珍稀棲地。這筆要價16萬7100美元的購地案是為了建立一個800英畝的保留地,這個保留地攸關華盛頓郡幾種全球稀有,且在聯邦有列冊保護植物的存活。

保留區位於南聖喬治發展最快的紹司布拉克區(South Block),它將可以提供植物、動物及人們一塊綠洲,讓公共自然步道有一些活動計畫,並作為自然教育的主題。

自然保育協會與一些機構合作,為設立「白圓頂自然保留區」規劃了一系列計畫。這些機構包括學校與機構信託土地管理處、土地經營局、聯邦漁業暨野生動物管理局、及聖喬治市政府。

這塊新設立的保護區域提供瀕危物種一塊生存空間。這些物種包括斑尾蜥蜴、呆頭伯勞,還有一些非常稀有的野花。

保護區裡將庇護一些生存受威脅物種的遺存族群,例如全世界僅生長於華盛頓郡的西列利花梗仙人掌、矮熊罌粟。保育協會西沙漠區主任約克(Elaine York)表示:「設立這個保留區對這些使華盛頓郡如此特殊的自然景觀、植物以及動物是十分重要的,而保育協會對能合作為後代拯救這些特殊地區感到非常振奮。」

在未來幾年中,自然保育協會與美國猶他州運輸部(UDOT)會繼續取得紹司布拉克區的其他土地,以便將白圓頂自然保留區800英畝的面積拼湊起來。這些合作夥伴們也將規劃出保留區的長期計畫,計畫內容包括保留區圍籬的裝設、保留區的維護、稀有植物及授粉者研究、棲地復育、以及劃設步道及解說牌,以便對遊客解說保留區自然的獨特之處。

Utah Nature Preserve Created
ST. GEORGE, Utah, June 26, 2007 (ENS)

The Nature Conservancy on Monday announced its purchase of 55 acres of rare habitat in St. George. The $167,100 purchase is the first step in an plan to create a new 800 acre preserve that may determine the fate of several globally rare and federally listed plants in Washington County.

Located in the fast developing South Block in south St. George, the preserve will provide an oasis for plants, animals and people, with plans in the works for public nature trails and educational signage.

Working with partners that include the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, the Bureau of Land Management, the Utah Department of Transportation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the City of St. George, The Nature Conservancy has laid out plans for the creation of the White Dome Nature Preserve.

The newly protected area provides habitat for several at-risk species, including the zebra-tailed lizard and loggerhead shrike, as well as extremely rare native wildflowers.

The reserve will harbor some of last remaining populations of the threatened Siler pincushion cactus, Pediocactus sileri, and the endangered dwarf bear poppy, Arctomecon humilis, which are found in Washington County and nowhere else on Earth.

"This is an important achievement for the natural landscapes, plants and animals that make Washington County so unique," said Elaine York, the Conservancy�s West Desert Regional Director. "The Conservancy is thrilled to be part of a collaboration to save these special places for future generations."

Additional land acquisitions in the South Block by the Conservancy and UDOT will take place this year and next, with a goal of piecing together all 800 acres of the White Dome Nature Preserve in the next few years. The partners are also creating a long-term plan for Preserve management, including fencing, maintenance, rare plant and pollinator research and habitat restoration, as well as the creation of hiking trails and signage that educates visitors about the unique natural features of the preserve.

作者

蔡麗伶(LiLing Barricman)

In my healing journey and learning to attain the breath awareness, I become aware of the reality that all the creatures of the world are breathing the same breath. Take action, here and now. From my physical being to the every corner of this out of balance's planet.