How many acres does a property have to be in order to be considered for protection?
Rather than set a specific minimum number of acres for sanctuaries, we consider multiple aspects of each property in determining whether it is appropriate as a permanent sanctuary. In some cases, smaller properties, particularly in suburban areas, may, in fact, be very important to protect, because they may represent the last refuge for wildlife displaced by nearby development, or they may serve as important linkages between other undeveloped lands. Generally, a property’s natural features, such as natural water resources and vegetation, its overall condition, and the circumstances of lands surrounding it are more important in determining its suitability for protection than size considerations.
