Project Update
Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-1), John Garamendi (CA-10) and Lynn Woolsey (CA-6) introduced H.R. 5545,
the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act. The legislation would designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area (NCA). Under this designation, all currently owned federal lands within the NCA boundary would be united under one management plan, allowing the region to be managed according to the site-specific needs. The region would also be permanently protected under a NCA designation, ensuring continued recreational opportunities while safeguarding the region's natural beauty, wildlife, rare plants, and waters - which include important sources of drinking water and irrigation for nearby communities.
The Berryessa Snow Mountain region stretches more than 100 miles from the lowlands of Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa, across remote stretches of Cache Creek, and up to the peak of Snow Mountain. It encompasses more than 319,000 acres across Napa, Mendocino, Lake and Yolo Counties. The area is rich in biodiversity, including bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, and rare plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Take Action!
Please join the CWC in thanking Representatives Thompson, Garamendi, and Woolsey for this important bill.
Copy and paste the sample letter below. Please personalize the letter as you see fit and then email it to info@calwild.org. We will deliver your letter.
SAMPLE LETTER
Dear Representatives Thompson, Garamendi, and Woolsey,
I am writing to thank you for introducing the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act. This area is important to me because .....
Once passed, this legislation will help preserve these beautiful lands and rivers for all Americans to enjoy. Your bill will help protect the rich biodiversity of this region, including bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, and rare plants found nowhere else on Earth.
The bill is also important for the local economy. Outdoor recreation and protected lands help the local economy. Recent studies by Headwaters Economics, a non-partisan, independent, nonprofit research group, have found that jobs and real personal income rose in local communities after nearby areas were permanently protected. That same potential is offered by the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.
Thank you again for your leadership on this bill.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
YOUR ADDRESS
Copy, paste and submit your letter to info@calwild.org . Thanks!
Background
Establishment of a NCA for the Berryessa Snow Mountain area will improve coordination between federal agencies; protect essential migratory corridors for wildlife adapting their ranges to a changing climate; keep water clean; and provide additional federal funding opportunities for conservation protection, invasive plant eradication, recreation management, and a coordinated multi-agency fire management plan.
The white water rapids of Cache Creek, Lake Berryessa's bass fishery, and hiking and horseback riding opportunities make the Berryessa Snow Mountain region a major outdoor recreation destination. Permanent protection for the region would improve management of recreational trails and campsites. It would also increase user education and help draw visitors to the area.
Outdoor recreation and protected lands help the local economy. Recent studies by Headwaters Economics, a non-partisan, independent, nonprofit research group, have found that jobs and real personal income rose in local communities after nearby areas were permanently protected. That same potential is offered by the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.
The NCA designation only applies to lands managed by the federal government. Current access to and uses of private land will not be changed.
No legally-open roads or motorized vehicle trails will be closed as a result of the NCA designation. Federal agencies will retain their existing authority to open new roads and trails or to temporarily close them when necessary, such as during major storms or emergencies.
Hunting and fishing will still be allowed in the NCA and the California Department of Fish and Game will retain its authority over these forms of recreation. The NCA designation would not impose any new regulations on hunting, fishing, or firearm use.
Existing laws and policies regarding firefighting will not be changed by the establishment of the NCA. Federal agencies can continue to reduce fuels before fires start by thinning trees, establishing fuel breaks, and by using controlled-burns and other appropriate tools.
Lake County, Napa County, the Winters City Council, the David City Council, the Clearlake City Council and the Calistoga City Council all passed unanimous resolutions of support in favor of designating the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a NCA.
Also in support of the designation are:
- 52 elected officials including former Congressman Pete McCloskey, co-author of the Endangered Species Act.
- 148 Businesses representing all four involved counties
- 29 landowners and farmers
- 28 Conservation and Recreation groups including the Blue Ribbon Coalition, California Waterfowl Association and the Yolo Audubon Society
The legislation was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
