BONO MACK: SCENIC WILDERNESS AREAS ONE STEP CLOSER TO HEIGHTENED PROTECTION
Washington,
Sep 11 -
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today applauded Senate action on her legislation to preserve scenic landscape in California’s 45th District. Bono Mack’s California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act, H.R. 3682, would preserve certain desert and forest landscapes as well as rivers in Riverside County. The bill was passed today in the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
“Some of our region’s most spectacular lands are now one step closer to getting the federal protection they deserve,” said Bono Mack. “It has been through much hard work and collaboration that we are at this point today, and I applaud Senators Feinstein and Boxer for working to move this bill forward in the Senate.
“Protecting our precious wilderness areas is especially important as our region continues to grow. I am pleased that so many different groups, including land managers, residents, recreational users, local leaders and many others, worked together to craft this bill in a way that will truly benefit our community.
“From breathtaking vistas to scenic rivers and valleys to the many endangered species these lands support, it is critical that action is taken to preserve these areas for future generations. Like residents throughout our community, I want my children’s children to be able to enjoy all that our mountains and wild lands have to offer. I am hopeful that the Senate will move quickly to pass this important legislation.”
According to Bono Mack, the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act would create four protected wilderness areas, add 31 miles of rivers to the National Wild and Scenic River system, and expand the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, which was created legislatively by Bono Mack in 2000. The bill would protect 191,000 acres of wilderness areas, including in Joshua Tree National Park, Cahuilla Mountain, the San Bernardino National Forest and the Pinto Mountains. The legislation is also written to empower the U.S. Forest Service with the ability to fight fires more effectively and efficiently; protect renewable energy potential; and ensure access so that visitors can continue to enjoy all that the region has to offer.
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