CWHC Celebrates Senator Boxer's Reintroduction of the California Wild Heritage Act
Bill Aims to Protect Future of California’s Wild Lands and Free-Flowing Rivers

SACRAMENTO - The California Wild Heritage Campaign applauded Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today for her reintroduction of the California Wild Heritage Act, S.1555 - landmark legislation representing the most diverse, accessible array of wild places ever protected in a single bill.

More than 60% 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 - have been lost.

"Senator Boxer's bill will protect the future of our state's rural economies," said Brandy Daniel, an economic consultant and avid equestrian in Oroville. "Tourism plays a key role in supporting the communities near our remaining wild places. Horse-back riders, anglers, hunters and many others seek the recreational opportunities and solitude that these pristine lands and rivers provide."

Studies have shown significant economic benefits for communities near a protected Wilderness or Wild and Scenic River. According to a 2002 regional economic study in the Eastern Sierra, wild lands support more than 2,800 jobs and contribute between $125 million and $171 million in local revenues.

"California Latinos are committed to protecting our environment and natural heritage. In a survey done exclusively of Hispanic voters, 81 percent of California's Latino voters support efforts to designate more wilderness in California," said Ed Navarro, a Board Member with the National Hispanic Environmental Council. "Like all Americans, we recognize our obligation to serve as good stewards of the environment, and Sen. Boxer's legislation will ensure that these special places remain unspoiled for all Californians, including the 34% who are Latino."

Support has been continually building for the California Wild Heritage Act since its original introduction in May of 2002. Currently, more than 3,000 businesses, scientists and civic leaders, nearly 200 elected officials, several state constitutional officers, and the California State Senate & Assembly believe we should act now to protect our remaining wild places.

"Protecting our last wild lands and free-flowing rivers is not just an environmental concern - it's an American concern," said Ed Robey, a Lake County Supervisor. "We must 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."

Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-El Monte) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa) are expected to introduce companion California Wilderness and Wild Rivers legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives when Congress recovenes in early September.

On March 27, Congressman Thompson introduced H.R. 1501, the Northern California Coastal Wild Heritage Wilderness Act of 2003, which contains wild places in his coastal First Congressional District. Senator Boxer introduced a companion bill, S. 738, in the Senate the same day.

Following are some of the outstanding wild places that will be protected in this landmark legislation:

• Northern California: The King Range contains the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the contiguous United States.
• Northern Sierra: The Feather Falls area in the Plumas National Forest contains the sixth highest waterfall in the United States.
• 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.
• Eastern Sierra: The White Mountains are home to the oldest living trees in the world - bristlecone pines.
• Central Coast: The San Rafael Wilderness Additions serve as vital habitat for the reintroduction of the endangered California condor.
• California Desert: The Avawatz Mountains are enjoyed by rock-climbers, hikers, and equestrians seeking solitude, and provide a spring-watered stronghold for desert bighorn sheep
• Southern California: The Upper San Diego River is one of the most remote areas in Southern California, and is vital for protecting water quality for San Diego.

The California Wild Heritage Campaign is a statewide coalition of more than 380 member groups 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 Council Federation of Fly Fishers.

FOR ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION IN YOUR AREA:

Northern California: Ryan Henson, California Wilderness Coalition, 530-902-1648 Tehama/Butte/Northern Sierra: Jessica Rios, Friends of the River, 530-228-9542 Central Coast/Bay Area: Dave Westman, Sierra Club, 510-459-4137
Western Sierra: Tina Andolina, California Wilderness Coalition, 530-902-1649 Eastern Sierra: Paul McFarland, Friends of the Inyo, 760-647-0079
California Desert: Keith Hammond, California Wilderness Coalition, 530-848-6265 Santa Barbara/Ventura: Erin Duffy, California Wild Heritage Campaign, 805-252-6547
Los Angeles/San Bernardino: Tim Allyn, Sierra Club, 323-314-4514
San Diego: Geoffrey Smith, California Wild Heritage Campaign, 858-442-1425

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