WASHINGTON D.C. — His work to protect public lands, including the Berryessa Snow Mountain area in his district, Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) was honored by The Wilderness Society and other organizations as one of America”s Great Outdoors Congressional Champions.
Thompson introduced the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act (H.R. 5545) that would protect more than 300,000 acres of oak savannah, pine and fir forests, as well as rivers in the state.
“It was a high honor to receive this award,” Thompson said. “The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is a national treasure and I will keep working to make sure the area is managed efficiently and effectively so it”s protected for our kids and grand-kids to enjoy.”
Paul Spitler, director of wilderness policy at The Wilderness Society said, “California is fortunate to have such a strong advocate for protecting and reconnecting people to the great outdoors. Californians depend on our great wild places for clean air and water, sustainable jobs and recreation opportunities. We salute Congressman Thompson for his efforts to ensure that current and future generations are able to enjoy America”s great outdoors.”
The Berryessa Snow Mountain area is home to annual wildflowers, snowfields and clean water flowing from Cache Creek, a water source that sustains surrounding communities. Animals inhabiting the region include bald eagles, tule elk, Pacific fishers, black bears, mountain lions, osprey and river otters. Trout, butterfly and dragonfly species also call this area home.
Berryessa is a hiking, biking, kayaking, hunting, fishing, horseback-riding, bird-watching and camping hot spot. According to the Outdoor Industry Foundation, California”s outdoor recreation economy contributes $46 billion annually to the state”s economy and supports 408,000 jobs.
Great Outdoors America Week offered an opportunity for advocates to take direct action on a number of conservation issues, ranging from wilderness and national monument protection to reconnecting inner-city youth to the great outdoors. Great Outdoors America Week is also another example of the long-standing, bipartisan tradition of conservation in the United States.
