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California Wild Heritage Campaign Applauds
Senate’s Passing of the Big Sur
Wilderness and Conservation Act of 2002

SACRAMENTO – The California Wild Heritage Campaign (CWHC) today celebrated the Senate’s overnight passage of the Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act of 2002 (H.R. 4750). This legislation, once signed into law by the President, will add 54,473 acres of California public lands in Monterey and San Benito counties to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), passed the House of Representatives last Friday, November 15.

“We’re thrilled that Rep. Farr’s bill has now passed both Houses and is on its way to President’s desk, especially since over 70% of California voters support the protection of wild places,” said Tom Hopkins, a board member of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance. “This legislation is a major step toward preserving our wild lands as they are today – so that future generations can enjoy our lasting wild heritage.”

When the bill reaches President Bush’s desk, he will have ten working days to sign it into law. Once signed by the President, the Big Sur Wilderness and Conservation Act will add 34,703 acres to the current 202,503-acre Ventana Wilderness; an additional 17,055 acres will more than double the currently protected 14,500-acre Silver Peak Wilderness, and Pinnacles National Monument will be increased by 2,715 acres.

“Thanks to the leadership and support of Congressman Farr, and Senators Boxer and Feinstein, this spectacularly beautiful mountain range – with its steep canyons and waterfalls, virgin redwoods, mountain lion and California condor – will remain in its pristine state forever, once signed by the President,” said Traci Sheehan Van Thull, Campaign Director for CWHC – a statewide coalition of more than 200 conservation, business, faith and community groups working to protect California’s remaining wild lands and rivers. “It is our hope that we’ll be able to continue these much-needed land protection measures for our wild lands and rivers around the state in the near future. And with this latest Congressional action, the fact that Wilderness preservation is a bi-partisan issue rings true.”

Many wilderness bills have passed through Republican-led Congresses, including the 1984 California Wilderness Act, which passed through a Republican Senate and was signed by Ronald Reagan. Reagan also signed seven other wilderness bills into law during his two terms as President, George H.W. Bush signed eight, Richard Nixon signed nine, and Gerald Ford, 13.

“The Big Sur Wilderness Act is our best bet for ensuring the wild places we enjoy today are passed on to future generations,” remarked Rev. Paul Danielson, a local retired Chaplain from All-Saints Day School in Carmel Valley. “The extraordinary lands included in this legislation will be protected in perpetuity, making certain that others will have the same opportunities for recreation and renewal that we have today.”

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