Mammoth Times
Published April 13, 2006

Wild Lands legislation

By Jay Thomas Watson

LETTER TO THE EDITOR- Dear Editor: I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to Congressman Buck McKeon, Senator Dianne Feinstein and Senator Barbara Boxer for introducing the Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act, which will designate new wilderness lands and a new Amargosa Wild and Scenic River in the region.

The legislation is appropriately named, since wild lands are so inextricably linked to both the heritage and the economy of the Eastern Sierra. From backpackers, to skiers, and from family owned pack stations to trout fisherman, all who care about the region and cherish wilderness should rejoice in seeing this legislation introduced in Congress.

On a personal note, while I live "over the hill" in the Town of Sonoma, there is a special place in my heart for the Eastern Sierra. Twenty-one years ago my wife Kathleen and I were engaged at the base of Banner Peak in what is now the Ansel Adams Wilderness.

There is a rich tradition of wilderness in the Golden State. I thank all who worked so nobly and diligently to see this legislation introduced for continuing that legacy.

Jay Thomas Watson

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