The federal and state lands angle is important here. I don't know what the actual status of these lands is. Is the federal government granting these lands to the consevancies? Is it granting them the funds to purchase these and or other land tracts? Is it merely using these NGOs to manage public lands?
It's amazing how many land conservancies there are out there.
I first became aware of them when they became owners of Solstice Canyon, one of my favorite places to hike, especially in May when the yucca are in bloom. It's a lovely, lovely place.
But, as I said, I tuned out since then -- @ 10 years ago -- as to their activities, although I believe they had something to do with Streisand's transfer of her Malibu lands.
Yes, it is not clear how much land they OWN and how much they "MANAGE." And who is the owner of the lands they manage?
I've known of The Nature Conservancy for 20 years. They have purview of a LOT of land in Arizona, and quite a bit in CA, including the Anza-Borrego wilderness.
Conservation groups protect bighorn sheep habitat near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
The Anza-Borrego Foundation purchased the land from a private seller for $221,000 with The Nature Conservancy providing $100,000 in grant funds. The Foundation plans to convey the property to California State Parks for incorporation into the 600,000-acre park.
So, what does "convey" mean?