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Protection
Some Network members are directly or indirectly engaged in the acquisition
of land for conservation purposes. The Anza
Borrego Foundation, for example, acts as a partner to the California
Department of Parks and Recreation to help acquire land to add to the
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park¨ and the surrounding region. In this
role, the ABF just facilitated the acquisition of the 3,339-acre Vallecito
Ranch for addition to Anza Borrego Desert State Park. 
Another way Network members help preserve important natural areas is
through conservation easements. This technique is especially useful
when the landowner wants to retain use of part or all of the property,
or doesn't want to incur the expense of a lot split to create a separate
parcel. The Fallbrook Land
Conservancy, for example, has three conservation easements of about
5-10 acres each. These easements protect riparian areas on larger parcels.
The owner retains use of the properties subject to restrictions spelled
out in the easement and may also receive a tax break.
Other Network members work to act as ÒwatchdogsÓ for land already under
some conservation protections like publicly owned open space parks.
For example, the Friends
of Daley Ranch promote education about the biological and historic
value of Daley Ranch in Escondido. They work with residents to encourage
responsible recreational use consistent with conservation of native
habitats and wildlife.
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