In the News
The Desert Sun
Deborah Barfield Berry
September 11, 2008
Senate Advances Wilderness Proposal
A measure that would designate nearly 200,000 acres of public land in and around the Coachella Valley as wilderness areas moved forward Thursday, with supporters hopeful the Senate will approve the legislation this year.
"Some of our region's most spectacular lands are now one step closer to getting the federal protection they deserve," said Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, who sponsored the measure in the House. "Protecting our precious wilderness areas is especially important as our region continues to grow."
Laurel Williams, desert field organizer for the California Wilderness Coalition, applauded the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which approved the measure Thursday. "The biggest thing is time is running out. But we have amazing champions on this issue," said Williams, noting the support of Bono Mack and Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, both Democrats. "Getting floor time is the next challenge."
With only a few weeks until Congress leaves for the election season, supporters acknowledge the Senate may have little time to take up the measure. Bono Mack said she's hopeful the Senate will act quickly. Boxer, who sponsored the Senate version, said she would press colleagues to act.
The Desert and Mountain Heritage Act designates as wilderness areas 191,000 acres of public land, including the San Bernardino National Forest, Joshua Tree National Park and Pinto Mountains. It also designates several rivers as "wild, scenic or recreational," including Bautista Creek, Fuller Mill Creek, Canyon Creek and the North Fork San Jacinto River.
"Working with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, we have put together legislation that protects some of California and the nation's most magnificent places and ensures that they will be preserved for generations to come," Boxer said.
About 200 activists from across the country, including 30 from California, traveled to Washington early this week to lobby for passage of several wilderness bills. Shannah Zorn of Hemet joined the activists meeting with their local lawmakers, including Bono Mack.
With all the development under way, "it's very exciting that we've been able to protect some of this area," said Zorn, owner of the Hummingbird Mobilehome Park in Pine Cove. "The areas they're trying to protect are very scenic. They would make great areas for wildlife." Zorn said her family and friends often hike and camp in the area.
"I'm happy to know it's going to be protected for future generations," she said.
The bill would protect the areas from development and sets more rules for use of the land, including disallowing motor vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles in the wilderness areas. There are exceptions for emergency personnel.
The committee also passed a measure that would protect 115,000 acres of wilderness in the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park.