In the News

Idyllwild Town Crier
December 20, 2007

Tidings of great joy

Editor:

Sen. Boxer and our representative Mary Bono are introducing in Congress The California Desert and Mountain [Heritage] Act a landmark legislation that will designate our region’s crown jewels and wilderness and wild and scenic rivers.

The act would expand Riverside County’s protected lands by adding more than 8,000 acres to the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, and designate nearly 200,000 acres of wilderness in Joshua Tree National Park, in the San Bernardino National Forest and on BLM lands. It would also set aside 31 miles of rivers as wild and scenic.

But more importantly, as far as our community is concerned, the Heritage Act will also designate as wilderness the South Fork of the San Jacinto River – a haven for hikers – thus protecting an essential watershed for Hemet Valley, as well as preserving habitat for mountain lion, mule deer and bald eagles.

Both Mary Bono and Barbara Boxer need our grateful recognition and full support. To all true wilderness lovers and residents of our community, please do send such a note to the addresses listed below, and do mention how much the South Fork of the San Jacinto means to us here on the Hill.

Ernie Maxwell, himself a champion of the wilderness, would give our two legislators a big hug.

Hon. Mary Bono, U.S. House of Representatives, 707 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 9, Palm Springs, CA 92262, www.house.gov/formbono/issue.htm.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, 112 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510, boxer.senate.gov/contact/email/policy.cfm#form.

Daniel & Gustel-Gigi Suiffet
Idyllwild

Note: Faster communication may be possible by contacting Senator Boxer’s local office: Hon. Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senate, 201 North E Street, Suite 210, San Bernardino, CA 92401