Bill To Protect Berryessa Snow Mountain Introduced

Three California members of the U.S. Congress have introduced legislation to protect more than 350,000 acres in seven counties as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

The legislation by U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Mike Thompson would include land in Napa, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Glenn, Colusa and Yolo counties and promote tourism and outdoor recreation across the region.

The new national monument would encompass more than 100 miles of land from in Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa to the peak of Snow Mountain, the southernmost peak in the North Coast Range and the highest peak on the border of Lake and Colusa counties.

[Previous: Your Thoughts On ‘Permanent Protection’ for Berryessa Snow Mountain?]

The legislation would unite all the publicly-owned land within the area under one management plan and help federal agencies protect wildlife, restore habitat, improve water quality, expand recreational opportunities and prevent wildfires.

“The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is one of California’s greatest natural treasures,” Boxer said. “This bill will expand opportunities for outdoor recreation and help preserve this region’s magnificent vistas and diverse wildlife for current and future generations.” Feinstein said the monument will preserve the environment and support local communities.

“By providing permanent protections and coordinated federal management, this legislation will help ensure one of California’s most beautiful and biologically diverse regions continues to thrive,” Feinstein said.

Thompson said the new monument will boost tourism and protect important species.

“By designating the region as a national monument, we can unite all federal lands under one management plan and preserve this national treasure for generations to come,” Thompson said.

The bill also would create a public advisory committee so local residents, outdoor enthusiasts and business owners can preserve and promote the area’s wildlife, rivers, ridges, canyons, creeks and forests.

The area is home to bald and golden eagles, black bear and tule elk.

It offers hiking, rafting, camping, rafting and horseback riding. Boxer urged President Obama in December to use his executive authority to designate the area a national monument.

Boxer and Thomas introduced the bill in both the 112th and 113th Congress.

--Bay City News

Photos/images courtesy of Berryessa Snow Mountain on Facebook.

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