Boxer Introduces the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Act of 2011

Press Release

U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today introduced the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Act of 2011, which would expand both the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness areas in San Diego County, protecting important landscapes while strengthening the local economy. The bill is a Senate companion to legislation introduced earlier this year and in the last Congress by Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA).

Senator Boxer said, "By permanently protecting these natural treasures, we will ensure that future generations can continue to visit these places and revel in their scenic beauty while also boosting the tourism and recreation economy of San Diego County."

The legislation would add 7,796 acres to the Agua Tibia Wilderness and 13,635 acres to the Beauty Mountain Wilderness. These areas are composed entirely of existing United States Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management Lands, and are currently managed with wilderness-level protections. The legislation would simply ensure that they continue to be protected in perpetuity.

The bill would also require the Bureau of Land Management to work closely with The Conservation Fund in order to build new recreational facilities at the Beauty Mountain Wilderness, allowing visitors to take greater advantage of this area.

In addition to helping protect the natural heritage of San Diego County, the legislation would help promote the region's tourism economy. Outdoor recreation supports more than 400,000 jobs and contributes $46 billion annually to California's economy.

Senator Boxer introduced the legislation just days after Deputy Interior Secretary David Hayes toured the area proposed for wilderness designation.

Supporters of Boxer's legislation include: the Cities of Oceanside, Perris and Vista; Chambers of Commerce in Canyon Lakes, Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Oceanside, Temecula, Vista and Wildomar; Off-Road Business Association; American Motorcycle Association District 37 Dual Sport; California Wilderness Coalition; The Wilderness Society; The Conservation Alliance; San Diego Audubon Society; San Diego River Coalition; Friends of the Santa Margarita River; and Sierra Club Santa Margarita Group.

Source