Condor experts get paid for input, silence on land dealBy Noaki Schwartz
Associated Press
12:22 AM CDT, May 26, 2008
LOS ANGELES — Biologist Noel Snyder got an intriguing call from a development company representative a day after it announced it was moving forward with plans to build nearly 3,500 luxury homes, condos and hotels on land used by the endangered California condor.

Would he like to make $3,000 for just one day's work reviewing the company's plan to safeguard the condor?

There was just one catch: Snyder would have to sign a promise not to publicly criticize the Tejon Ranch Co. project.

"My jaw dropped to the floor," said Snyder, one of the foremost experts on North America's largest flying bird. "It was very clear to me I could've asked for $10,000. I could've asked for $50,000."

The Portal, Ariz., scientist said he turned the job down for fear it might prevent him from objectively evaluating the plan. He has since decided the project could significantly harm the condor.

But others have taken the offer from Tejon. The developer has retained the services — and public silence — of three condor experts. That's a significant portion of the half-dozen or so scientists specializing in condors on Tejon, according to the developer's chief consultant on the bird, Peter Bloom.

In truth, many environmentalists are delighted by the deal, under which Tejon will set aside 375 square miles for the bird and other wildlife.

Five of the nation's most influential environmental groups, including the Sierra Club, the Natural Resources Defense Council and Audubon California, helped negotiate the plan and gave it their blessing when it was announced this month.

Tejon spokesman Barry Zoeller bristled at criticism of the arrangement. "If there is any assertion or implication that any attempt was made to get an opinion or buy an opinion from someone, that is absolutely incorrect," he said.

David Clendenen, a condor expert who declined to work for Tejon, criticized those who accepted the consulting job, saying the arrangement "destroys their credibility completely."

The California condor nearly went extinct in the 1980s. In 1987, the last 22 wild California condors were trapped and taken to zoos for a breeding program that raised their numbers to just under 300. Now there are about 200 in the wild, with about 60 in California, many of which use Tejon for foraging.

Bloom, who previously worked on condor issues for the National Audubon Society, was Tejon's lead condor consultant during the confidential negotiations. He said he was paid "a healthy amount" but would not be more specific.

Lloyd Kiff, who once called Tejon Ranch Co. the "anti-Christ for condors," also declined to say what he was paid, but said he endorsed the plan only after Tejon incorporated many of his suggestions.

Bob Risebrough, the third hired condor consultant, said he was pleased with the final product but declined to comment on his deal with Tejon, citing the confidentiality agreement.