Bono: New Wilderness Bill Preserves Vital Element of Our Heritage

Press Release

BONO: NEW WILDERNESS BILL PRESERVES VITAL ELEMENT OF OUR HERITAGE

Says Local Input is Key Aspect of Wilderness Bill

Washington, Nov 13 - Congresswoman Mary Bono (CA-45) today testified in a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources on conservation of wilderness areas in Riverside County, CA. Bono's legislation, H.R. 3682, the California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act, would preserve desert, forest, and river areas throughout California's 45th Congressional District. Bono was joined by Riverside County resident, Geary Hund in testifying on the legislation.

"The best way to preserve these spectacular and environmentally sensitive areas in Riverside County is through collaboration and cooperation," said Bono. "This bill is being carefully crafted with the input of local resource and federal land managers, homeowners, private landowners, recreational users and many others to ensure that the diverse needs of the community are met.

"As the third-fastest growing county in the nation, we must take steps to preserve the unique ecosystems that surround us. This legislation helps guarantee that endangered plant and wildlife species, such as the Rosy Boa, the desert tortoise and the Desert Bighorn Sheep, have the opportunity to thrive. It is my hope that by continuing to work together in a bipartisan fashion we can see these stunning and vital wilderness areas preserved for generations to come."

The California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act would create four protected wilderness areas, add 31 miles of rivers to the National Wild and Scenic River system, and expand the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, which was created legislatively by Bono in 2000. The bill would protect 191,000 acres of wilderness areas, including in Joshua Tree National Park, Cahuilla Mountain, the San Bernardino National Forest and the Pinto Mountains. The legislation is also written to empower the U.S. Forest Service with the ability to fight fires; protect renewable energy potential; and continue access to for visitors to enjoy all that the region has to offer, according to Bono.

In his testimony, Gary Hund said, "Congresswoman Bono has a well-deserved reputation for collaboration and reasonableness that is clearly illustrated by the way she went about crafting this bill." He continued to say that "H.R. 3682 will benefit not only Riverside County, but our nation as a whole."

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