WOODLAND — Support for a National Conservation Area (NCA) within the Berryessa Snow Mountain region continued Wednesday to gain momentum with the introduction of legislation on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
Sen. Barbara Boxer introduced the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Act. Along with H.R. 5545, which was introduced on May 8 by Northern California congressional representatives Mike Thompson, John Garamendi and Lynn Woolsey, this bill will secure permanent protection of much of the federal public lands within the region.
“The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is one of California”s treasures, and this bill will help ensure that it is protected for future generations to enjoy,” Boxer said. “The designation of a new National Conservation Area will not only help preserve the region”s natural resources, it will also promote tourism and create jobs in local communities.”
The Berryessa Snow Mountain region offers many outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking to the 80-foot-high Zim Zim waterfall, fly-fishing in Putah Creek and boating on Lake Berryessa. An NCA will secure continued recreation opportunities and provide well-managed recreation and user education for current and future generations.
Protecting special places not only increases recreational opportunities, but it also increases tourism and creates a desirable place for people to live and work, according to Sara Husby, executive director for Tuleyome. A recent study by Headwaters Economics found that the counties around the Giant Sequoia National Monument saw jobs grow by 11 percent and real personal income rise by 24 percent after the area was protected.
Visit www.berryessasnowmountain.org for more information.
