History of Catalina Island Conservancy in Timeline

The Catalina Island Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Santa Catalina Island, California. Established in 1972 by the Wrigley and Offield families, the Conservancy manages 42,135 acres, representing 88% of the island. Its mission focuses on conservation efforts, including habitat restoration, wildlife preservation, and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and accessibility of the island's natural environment.

1924: Bison brought to the island

In 1924, bison were first brought to Catalina Island for a movie, later becoming an iconic symbol of the island's culture.

1972: Conservancy Founded

Founded in 1972, the Conservancy is one of the oldest private land trusts in Southern California. The stated goal of the Conservancy is to "be a responsible steward of our lands through a balance of conservation, education and recreation."

1999: Distemper virus outbreak

In late 1999, an outbreak of distemper virus caused the fox population to plummet from about 1,300 to just 100 animals.

2000: Catalina Island Fox Recovery Plan Implemented

In 2000, the Catalina Island Conservancy and its partner, the Institute for Wildlife Studies, implemented the Catalina Island Fox Recovery Plan, combining relocation, vaccinations, captive breeding and release, and wild fox population monitoring, in response to the outbreak of distemper virus.

2004: Catalina Island fox declared endangered

Due to the outbreak, in 2004 The US Fish and Wildlife Service declared the Catalina Island fox an endangered sub-species.

2009: Start of bison contraception program

Beginning in 2009, the Conservancy's scientists injected the female bison with porcine zona pellucida (PZP), a contraceptive that had been used for fertility control in zoos, wild horses and white tail deer.

2009: Start of Stop the Spread program

In 2009, the Conservancy's naturalists, CHIRP staff and the many youth camps on the island started the Stop the Spread program. The program focused on invasive plant control in and around each camp. Campers are taught about the value of native species, the problems posed by invasive species and how to help eradicate invasive species. Campers also learn how to restore and improve native environments.

2013: Contraceptive program reported effective

A peer-reviewed study published in 2013 reported that the contraceptive program was effective in controlling the bison herd. After receiving the contraceptive, the calving rate dropped to 10.4% in the first year and 3.3% the following year.

2013: Stop the Spread program reaches 15,000 campers

By 2013, the Stop the Spread program has given nearly 15,000 campers tens of thousands of hours of education. Campers manage about 450 acres for 75 different invasive species, logging more than 7,000 hours of invasive plant removal a year.

2014: Calving rate at 3.3% following PZP treatment

In 2014, the calving rate dropped to 3.3% the following year after receiving the contraceptive.

April 2019: The Trailhead opens

In April 2019, the Conservancy opened the Trailhead at 708 Crescent Ave. in Avalon, Catalina Island. This LEED Gold certified building provides recreational information, hiking and biking permits, Conservancy Eco Tours and Wildlands Express shuttles, educational exhibits, a shop, a plein air exhibit, a restaurant, and a native plant garden.

2020: Plans to bring pregnant bison to Catalina Island

After several years without bison births on the island, Catalina Island Conservancy had plans to bring two pregnant bison to Catalina at the end of 2020.

2023: Plan created to reduce the impact of invasive deer

In 2023, the Conservancy created a plan to reduce the impact that invasive deer have on native vegetation. After consulting with wildlife experts, a culling (killing from helicopters) approach was adopted. Some residents of Santa Catalina Island were opposed to the cull, and asked the Conservancy to reconsider.