Our guest is Mike Cipra of Friends of the Dunes, a local conservation organization which is in the process of acquiring the Samoa Dunes and Wetlands Conservation Property (a.k.a. the Dog Ranch and Poovey Tract). The 357-acre property is scheduled to be purchased from Security National this fall. Friends of the Dunes has decided to be interim owner for up to 5 years while a permanent plan is developed to manage the area for habitat conservation and public access. 

Just south of the Manila Dunes, this acquisition will create a continuous connected area of more than 1,600 acres of dunes, including the furthest southern extent of coastal dune forest in the world. 

More on the tussle over this property:

• Buying binge reflects his vision, Arkley says - North Coast Journal, 2005
• Arkley's 'Dog Ranch' on the Market - North Coast Journal, 2014

For more info on the flora and fauna of the area:

• Flora & Fauna of Lanphere Dunes

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