The Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act will take effect July 1, 2008. It covers certain deer hunting zones in California, including all of San Benito County. Proponents of the legislation see the governor's signature as a major step in preserving the California condor.

"(Schwarzenegger) thought it was an important policy to help protect our endangered condor population," said Aaron McLear, Schwarzenegger's press secretary.

Those in favor of the bill argued how research shows that lead bullets, when left in animal carcasses or gut piles, are the main cause of lead poisoning in condors.

Opponents, which includes gun-rights advocates and some hunters, argue that the science behind the lead bullet ban is not sound and that the bill infringes on Second Amendment rights.

The California condor preservation movement began in 1987, when the species' population had dwindled to 22 birds.

Federal biologists captured all the remaining condors that year and began a rehabilitation program, releasing the first bird back into the wild in 1997.

In 2003, Pinnacles National Monument became a condor rehabilitation site, releasing birds into the wild every year.

Carl Brenner, the park's supervisor of interpretation and education, said the governor's signature is a step in the right direction.

"It's nice to see people are taking the work we are doing and using the information to educate not only the public, but public officials," Brenner said.

In the past year, scientists have presented research they believe shows lead from bullets to be the main culprit in poisoning California condors. Scientists have said that the isotopes found in the bloodstream of condors with elevated lead levels are "significantly similar" to those found in lead bullet samples.

Brenner said there is more work for condor conservationists to do beyond the legislation signed Saturday. He said it's important for people to know why the law has been enacted.

"You can't just tell someone, 'Don't do this because I said so,'" Brenner said.

Michael Van Cassell can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or mvancassell@freelancenews.com.