Rep. Miller's House Bill To Expand John Muir Site Passes

A bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday night means the John Muir National Historic Site in Martinez is one step closer to a major expansion.

Authored by Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez), the bill would authorize the National Park Service to acquire the Plummer Ranch property via a donation from the Muir Heritage Land Trust, according to Miller’s office.

The land parcel would form the southern boundary of the historic site once inhabited by famed naturalist and conservationist John Muir, who has been credited with convincing the U.S. government to protect Yosemite, Sequoia, the Grand Canyon and Mt. Rainier as national parks.

The expansion would also create easier access for visitors by connecting the site to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

“This land transfer is a great victory for preserving California history, protecting our wildlife and for attracting visitors to Martinez,” Miller said in a statement.

“The John Muir National Historic Site is a tremendous attraction for visitors and a great way for people to learn about the tremendous work that was done to ensure that our national treasures, like the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, could be protected,” he said.

The bill passed by a 361-39 vote and now moves on to the Senate.

It was the very last bill the House voted on during Miller’s congressional career, according to the congressman’s office.

The veteran Democratic lawmaker announced in January that he would step down at the end of the year after four decades in Congress.

--Bay city News

--Image courtesy of John Muir National Historic Site on Facebook