Senate Hears Testimony on Bill to Protect Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers in the Eastern Sierra and San Gabriel Mountains

Washington, DC – Spectacular mountains, rivers and open spaces in California’s Eastern Sierra and San Gabriel Mountains are closer to gaining permanent protection today after a hearing in the Senate Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee. The Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Wild Heritage Act, introduced by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-Santa Clarita), aims to protect nearly 475,000 acres of wilderness and 52 miles of wild and scenic rivers.

Leading conservation groups joined community leaders and business owners in their support of this bipartisan legislation.

“We appreciate Rep. McKeon’s and Sen. Boxer’s long and steadfast dedication to protecting wild lands in the Eastern Sierra and San Gabriel Mountains,” said Sally Miller, California Senior Field Representative with The Wilderness Society and resident of Lee Vining. “By continuing to refine this legislation, they are demonstrating their commitment to balancing the interests of the many people who enjoy these lands.”

This tough-compromise proposal includes some of the region’s most treasured natural wonders, from the 14,000-foot peaks in Mono County’s White Mountains to the Amargosa River in Death Valley, and the specially-designated Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. It also includes a winter recreation area for snowmobiling.

Residents of the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys expressed their delight that the bill also includes wild lands in northern Los Angeles County: some 40,000 acres in the Magic Mountain and Pleasant View Ridge areas and seven miles of Piru Creek. The Pleasant View Ridge area features 8,200-foot Mt. Williamson, the headwaters of Little Rock Creek, and some of the most magnificent and remote ridge and canyon country in southern California.

"I am so very pleased that two of our beautiful, local mountain hiking areas and one of our gorgeous rivers are being considered for wilderness and wild and scenic designation," said Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel, Director of the Community Hiking Club in Santa Clarita. “By protecting these wonderful places, we’ll be leaving a legacy of nationally significant wild lands and rivers for generations to come.”

“The success of this effort is important to the whole community,” said Chris Spicher, a business owner in Lancaster. “Not only will it ensure permanent protection for the outstanding beauty, quiet solitude and stunning vistas of the Eastern Sierra and San Gabriel Mountains, but it will also greatly enhance the region’s recreation and tourism-based economy.”

Wilderness and wild and scenic river designation for these lands will mean that a wide range of recreational activities will be allowed, including hunting, hiking, camping, backpacking and fishing; but that development, such as road building and motorized access will not.

###

Since 2000, California Wild Heritage Campaign, a coalition of over 500 businesses and organizations has worked to ensure the permanent protection of California's remaining wild public lands and rivers.