Sister Anza-Borrego and the Mongolian Rangers
Last updated 6/3/2016 at 1:31pm
On May 18 Borrego Springs was visited by four rangers from the Ikh Nart Guluu Nature Reserve in Mongolia.
Ihk Nart was discovered by Mark Jorgensen, then Superintendent of the AnzaBorrego State Park, in 2004 while researching Argali Bighorn Sheep. In 2008, Ikh Nart Nature Reserve and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California became official Sister Parks.
The governor of Dalanjargal soum, the district that manages Ikh Nart, D, Bold and Mark Jorgensen, signed an official agreement in June that will foster relationships between both protected areas. As part of the agreement, AnzaBorrego provided equipment and training to the staff of Ikh Nart Nature Reserve. The agreement has also led to the development of a ranger program and improvement of border signs.
Accompanied by District superintendent Mike Wells, former Chief Ranger Lynn Rhodes and Ranger Steve Bier, Ihk Nart Director Amgalanbaatas, Chief Ranger Dandarbataar, Inspector Anand Purev and Ranger Archeologist Choibalsan hiked up Palm Canyon, toured the Park Visitor's Center and viewed the spectacular Font's Point.
Although farther north and generally cooler than Anza-Borrego, the Ikh terrain is strikingly similar in variety and natural beauty. Three of the rangers took their first airplane flight, saw their first ocean, swam in a pool for the first time ever and said they are taking a lot of memories and new skills home to Ikh Nartiin Chuluu Nature Reserve. They are now on their way to Denver and the World Ranger Congress.
