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May 11, 2002
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jean Munoz FOR
916-708-0977

CWHC Celebrates Sen. Boxer's California Wild Heritage Act of 2002 (S.2535)
Bill Will Ensure Future of California's Wild Lands and Free-Flowing Rivers

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Wild Heritage Campaign joined Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today to celebrate the announcement of the California Wild Heritage Act of 2002 (S.2535) – a landmark accomplishment representing the most diverse, accessible array of wild places ever protected in a single piece of legislation.

More than 50% of our state's clean drinking water comes from California's wild lands and free-flowing rivers. But over the last 20 years, nearly 700,000 acres of our state's unprotected wilderness – an area nearly the size of Yosemite National Park – has been lost.

"This landmark legislation protects the future and prosperity of our state's rural economies," said Tim Alpers, owner of Owens River Ranch in Mammoth Lakes and Former Mono County Supervisor. "The tourism industry in communities near our remaining wild places is supported by horse-back riders, anglers, hunters and countless others who are seeking recreational opportunities in the splendor of the great outdoors."

Studies have shown significant economic benefits for communities near a protected Wilderness or Wild and Scenic River. In Mono and Inyo Counties, located in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region of California, wild lands support more than 2,800 jobs and contribute between $125 million and $171 million in local revenues, according to a recent study.

"California Latinos are committed to protecting our environment and natural heritage. Like all Americans, we recognize our obligation to serve as good stewards of the environment," said Ed Navarro, a Board Member with the National Hispanic Environmental Council. "This legislation will ensure that these special places remain unspoiled for all Californians, including the 34% who are Latino."

"Protecting our remaining wild lands and free-flowing rivers is not just an environmental concern – it's an American concern," said Traci Van Thull, Director of the California Wild Heritage Campaign. "Our hope, and the intent of this legislation, is to act now to preserve our magnificent remaining wild places so that the social, economic and recreational benefits we enjoy today will be there tomorrow for our children and grandchildren."

Later this month, Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-East LA, El Monte) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D- Eureka, Ft. Bragg, Napa) will be introducing parallel California Wilderness and Wild Rivers legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Sam Farr (Salinas, Santa Cruz) will introduce wilderness legislation for his Big Sur / Monterey district in the House next week.

Following are some of the gem areas that will be protected in this landmark legislation:

• Northern California: The King Range offers one of the only unroaded areas left on California's coastline.
• Central Coast: The Ventana Potential Wilderness Additions are home to the endangered California Condor.
• Eastern Sierra: The White Mountains are home to the oldest living trees in the world.
• Western Sierra: Duncan Canyon is a rare and spectacular ancient forest haven in the Sierra.
• Central Sierra: The Clavey River is considered by scientists to be one of the healthiest watersheds in the Sierra Nevada.
• California Desert: The Avawatz Mountains are a spring-watered stronghold for desert bighorn sheep, enjoyed by rock-climbers, hikers, and equestrians seeking solitude.
• Northern Sierra: The Feather Falls area in the Plumas National Forest contains the sixth largest waterfall in the United States.
• Southern California: The Upper San Diego River is one of the most remote areas in Southern California, and is key to protecting water quality for San Diego.

For more information on these, and other wild places being protected within this legislation, please visit www.californiawild.org.

The California Wild Heritage Campaign is a statewide coalition of nearly 200 members that includes the Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, California Wilderness Coalition, Friends of the River, League to Save Lake Tahoe, Republicans for Environmental Protection, National Hispanic Environmental Council, American Whitewater and the Northern California Fly-fishers Association.

FOR ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN YOUR AREA:
San Diego: Camille Armstrong, Sierra Club, 619-507-6920
Southern California: Tim Allyn, Sierra Club, 323-314-4514
Santa Barbara: Mike Summers, California Wild Heritage Campaign, 805-455-3422
California Desert: Paul Spitler, California Wilderness Coalition, 530-902-1650
Central Coast/Bay Area: Ilysia Shattuck, Sierra Club, 925-788-8440
Eastern Sierra: Sally Miller, the Wilderness Society, 760-647-1614
Western Sierra: Tina Andolina, California Wilderness Coalition, 530-758-0380
Tuolumne/Stanislaus: Monica Weakley, Tuolumne River Preservation Trust, 209-743-5980
Tehama/Butte: Jessie Rios, Friends of the River, 530-343-9541
Northern California: Ryan Henson, California Wilderness Coalition, 530-902-1648

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