The Sacramento River National Recreation Area Establishment Act of 2006

THE SACRAMENTO RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ESTABLISHMENT ACT OF 2006 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 08, 2006)

* Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Sacramento River National Recreation Area Establishment Act of 2006.

* This bill was drafted with the direct input and involvement of locally elected leaders in Tehama County, California. It is the product of a citizen-led initiative. Written exchanges, phone calls, meetings, and an on-site visit were all part of the process that has led up to today.

* On two separate occasions the Tehama County Board of Supervisors endorsed the concept of creating a National Recreation Area at the Sacramento River Bend, including, most recently, a unanimous endorsement of this specific legislation, which was passed on December 6, 2006. The Shasta County Board of Supervisors and the City of Redding, California both have formally expressed support for the creation of a recreation area at the Bend Area. Various constituents and organizations have done so as well.

* Local officials expressed support for a national designation that focused on recreation and respected the nearby communities' goals and priorities. They wanted a designation to build on existing popular outdoors opportunities, such as horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and hiking. They wanted management of the land to attract tourists to the area in order to help the local economy. And they wanted to make sure that neighboring landowners and land uses were protected in the process. It was argued that a national designation for the Bend Area should be a ``win-win'' for everyone in the community. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to say that this legislation accomplishes this important priority.

* In carrying out the wishes of local officials, the Sacramento River National Recreation Area Establishment Act of 2006 focuses on three important local priorities: recreation, community involvement, and landowner protection.

* The bill directs the BLM to manage the Bend Area in a manner that encourages and promotes public recreation. The bill lists, at a minimum, sixteen separate recreational activities that are to occur and be enhanced for public enjoyment of the recreation area and, in turn, help create new economic opportunities for local businesses. Specific language is also included to ensure that this popular destination point for deer, wild turkey, dove, and pheasant hunting, and trophy-sized rainbow trout and salmon fishing remain open and accessible to the public.

* The bill also authorizes the Secretary to develop recreation related facilities, such as new trails, restrooms, parking areas, and campgrounds, all of which will help make experiencing the Bend Area more enjoyable for Northstate families. Additionally, the bill clearly states that no fees for same-day use or access to the recreation area may be charged by the BLM unless significant recreation services are provided. This provision will help the public access the Bend Area free of charge for activities like an afternoon hike or bike ride. Any modest fees that could be charged at the Bend Area would be developed in consultation with the public and proceeds would be reinvested in local recreation and safety facilities.

* Local involvement and participation is also required in the bill. The legislation would establish an ``Advisory Council'' to ensure that the ideas and concerns of local citizens are incorporated into a management plan for the area. The Advisory Council would be appointed by locally elected officials, and would consist of concerned citizens representing diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. And to ensure that everyone in the community has a chance to participate in the drafting of the management plan for the Bend Area, each meeting of the Advisory Council will be open to public observation and involvement. This important provision will ensure transparency without the unnecessary paperwork burdens and expense associated with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

* Finally, Mr. Speaker, this bill protects private property rights. Local officials carefully drew the recreation area boundaries so as not to include private land. In addition, language was developed to ensure that landowners adjacent to the new recreation area are guaranteed full access to their property, and that efforts to improve or enhance such access are not limited in any way by this legislation. Existing water rights holders are also protected under this bill, as it plainly denies authority to the federal government to acquire water rights to further the purposes and needs of the recreation area. Lastly, livestock grazing, which is very important to the area I represent, is protected in this bill. Local officials supporting the legislation were clear: the right to continue to graze cattle in this area needs to be preserved.

* Mr. Speaker, it has been a great pleasure for me to work with local officials and concerned citizens to develop this legislation. But our work is not over. In my view, you can never have too much local participation. Initiatives like this one succeed not because they were created in Congress or by national interest groups. They succeed because they are the product of an on-the-ground effort, led by those who live near and are the most familiar with this special area. I look forward to continuing to work with my constituents who have been involved in this legislation to this point, and urge anyone else with an interest to participate to do so.

* This legislation is introduced in the spirit of local involvement and cooperation. It has been carefully written based on local needs and is worthy of the consideration and support of my colleagues in the House.

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