In The News
REPS. MIKE THOMPSON, John Garamendi, Lynn Woolsey Introduce Bill to
Designate Berryessa Snow Mountain A National Conservation Area
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives Mike Thompson (CA-1), John Garamendi (CA-10) and Lynn Woolsey (CA-6) introduced H.R. 5545, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act. The legislation would designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area (NCA). Under this designation, all currently owned federal lands within the NCA boundary would be united under one management plan, allowing the region to be managed according to the site-specific needs. The region would also be permanently protected under a NCA designation, ensuring continued recreational opportunities while safeguarding the region's natural beauty, wildlife, rare plants, and waters - which include important sources of drinking water and irrigation for nearby communities.
"The Berryessa Snow Mountain Region is a unique national treasure and we have a responsibility to preserve it for our kids and grandkids," said Thompson. "Designating the region as a National Conservation Area will preserve the land, help our local economies, and protect a wide variety of plants and animals. This is the right way forward for the region and our communities."
"Designating the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area allows for the coordination of federal land management for the benefit of the public," said Garamendi, a Member of the Natural Resources Committee and former Deputy Secretary of the Interior Department. "This legislation will help preserve the region's natural beauty, increase tourism and outdoor recreation, spur business growth, and create jobs in Northern California. By protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region, this commonsense bill gives visitors the ability to appreciate its splendor while providing economic opportunity for local communities.”
"The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is a natural wonder that unquestionably deserves the protection that this designation would provide," said Woolsey. "For our wildlife who call this area home; for the cleanliness of local drinking water; for the recreational opportunities it will provide for residents and visitors alike, Congress should pass this bill."
The Berryessa Snow Mountain region stretches more than 100 miles from the lowlands of Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa, across remote stretches of Cache Creek, and up to the peak of Snow Mountain. It encompasses more than 319,000 acres across Napa, Mendocino, Lake and Yolo Counties. The area is rich in biodiversity, including bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, and rare plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Establishment of a NCA will improve coordination between federal agencies; protect essential migratory corridors for wildlife adapting their ranges to a changing climate; keep water clean; and provide additional federal funding opportunities for conservation protection, invasive plant eradication, recreation management, and a coordinated multi-agency fire management plan.
"We're pleased that Congressman Thompson has recognized the natural wonders and recreational opportunities offered by the Berryessa Snow Mountain region-and the strong desire by community members to protect this scenic treasure so that it can be enjoyed by future generations," said Sara Husby, Executive Director of Tuleyome. "His National Conservation Area proposal is a win-win for everyone."
The white water rapids of Cache Creek, Lake Berryessa's bass fishery, and hiking and horseback riding opportunities make the Berryessa Snow Mountain region a major outdoor recreation destination. Permanent protection for the region would improve management of recreational trails and campsites. It would also increase user education and help draw visitors to the area.
"Protecting this area will help the waterways that so many people already love and use," said Steve Karr, Chairman of the Board for Putah Creek Trout. "A National Conservation Area goes hand in hand with our ongoing efforts to improve the wild trout fishery in Putah Creek and will help foster better outdoor experiences for visitors and residents alike."
Outdoor recreation and protected lands help the local economy. Recent studies by Headwaters Economics, a non-partisan, independent, nonprofit research group, have found that jobs and real personal income rose in local communities after nearby areas were permanently protected. That same potential is offered by the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.
"Permanently protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region makes good business sense," said Denise Rushing, a Lake County supervisor. "Gateway communities - including many here in Lake County - will benefit from the increased tourism and job creation that a National Conservation Area will bring."
"Proponents of this project have worked hard to bring our community together. It will be good for the public having the federal agencies work together," said Napa County Board of Supervisor Chair Keith Caldwell.
"Lake County is a great place to visit. The National Conservation Area will be good for the environment and for our local economy," said Rob Brown, Chair of the Lake County Board of Supervisors.
"We are excited to know that the National Conservation Ares is moving forward and that it will protect the federal public lands near our Lake Berryessa ranch for future generations," said first generation cattle ranchers John and Judy Ahmann. Judy is the former president of the California Cattlewomen's Association.
The NCA designation only applies to lands managed by the federal government. Current access to and uses of private land will not be changed. No legally-open roads or motorized vehicle trails will be closed as a result of the NCA designation. Federal agencies will retain their existing authority to open new roads and trails or to temporarily close them when necessary, such as during major storms or emergencies.
Hunting and fishing will still be allowed in the NCA and the California Department of Fish and Game will retain its authority over these forms of recreation. The NCA designation would not impose any new regulations on hunting, fishing, or firearm use.
Existing laws and policies regarding firefighting will not be changed by the establishment of the NCA. Federal agencies can continue to reduce fuels before fires start by thinning trees, establishing fuel breaks, and by using controlled-burns and other appropriate tools.
Lake County, Napa County, the Winters City Council, the David City Council, the Clearlake City Council and the Calistoga City Council all passed unanimous resolutions of support in favor of designating the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a NCA.
Famous Wolf Taking a Wilderness Tour Through Oregon and California
In travels, Journey (OR-7) shows a preference for protected and proposed wilderness areas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 27, 2012
Contact:
Laurel Williams, California Wilderness Coalition 909.260.8833
Oakland, CA—Journey, the world’s most famous wolf, has covered well over 1,000 miles in his trek from northeast Oregon, across the Cascades, and down into northern California in search of a mate. What has he seen along the way? A new map-based analysis released today by a coalition of conservation groups shows that Journey (also know as OR-7) has migrated through a variety of terrain, but often sticks to undeveloped wilderness areas. He is also spending the majority of his time on public lands.
Laurel Williams from the California Wilderness Coalition observed that "After watching Journey trek through Lassen Volcanic National Park and other wild places, it is clear that these protected areas aren’t just playgrounds for people. The amazing trek of this wandering wolf shows us just how important it is to safeguard special places so that wildlife have a place to call home – and a place to explore."
Journey’s trek started when he dispersed from the Imnaha Wolf Pack in northeast Oregon. This original home territory represents one of the wildest landscapes in Oregon, the Hells Canyon and Wallowa Mountains area.
From there OR-7 ventured through roadless and wilderness areas in the Malheur region before passing through undeveloped stretches of Oregon’s high desert. He then settled temporarily in the south Cascades in the proposed Crater Lake wilderness area. Once the snow began to fall he headed south into California where he padded through Lava Beds National Monument and other wildlands and roadless areas just east of Mount Shasta. Journey then headed south toward the southern terminus of the Cascades near Lassen Volcanic National Park. Since entering California he has traveled through, or very close to, eleven existing or proposed wilderness areas.
Wilderness highlights from Journey’s trek:
Eagle Cap Wilderness: Journey spent his earliest days in this 359,000-acre natural treasure that is Oregon’s largest designated wilderness.
Proposed Hidden Springs Wilderness: Journey toured the Hidden Springs Proposed wilderness near Hampton Butte and the Crooked River.
Proposed Crater Lake Wilderness: Journey spent a fair amount of time near Crater Lake, and utilized the wildlife corridors identified by scientists leading into and out of the park on his trip. The backcountry of the park and undeveloped areas adjacent to the park are proposed for wilderness designation.
Proposed Captain Jack Wilderness: Journey passed through this 62,000-acre proposed wilderness in Lava Beds National Monument and the Modoc National Forest that is named in honor of a leader of the Modoc Tribe.
Proposed Ahjumawi Wilderness: Journey passed through this 58,000-acre proposed wilderness that is jointly managed by the Lassen National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is dominated by a series of dramatic lava flows.
Proposed McDonald Peak Wilderness:Journey spent several days on the flanks of McDonald Peak in Lassen County, a Great Basin wild area managed by the BLM.
“Who knew that wolves carried guide books to wilderness areas?” mused Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Coordinator with Oregon Wild. “In all seriousness, it’s thrilling to see that the proposed Crater Lake wilderness and other important wildlife corridors identified by scientists are being used on this amazing journey.”
Oregon Natural Desert Association’s Matt Little noted that "Journey's path is a reminder that wolves and people alike need the wide open spaces that wilderness provides. Both wildlife and future generations are relying on us to ensure that these wild and awe-inspiring places are there for decades to come."
Exciting news! Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar highlighted 18 backcountry areas, nine in California, as deserving protection by Congress as either national conservation areas or as wilderness! Among these "Crown Jewels" are places that the CWC has long advocated for wilderness designation including the Avawatz Mountains, the Soda Mountains, Great Falls Basin and additions to Golden Valley and Kingston Range wilderness areas. All of the desert areas recommended by Secretary Salazar are included in Senator Feinstein's California Desert Protection Act.
Golden Valley proposed wilderness additions. Photo by Sam Roberts.
Salazar also recommended Beauty Mountain in San Diego County for wilderness. Beauty Mountain is a scenic chaparral-draped area near Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and is included in Congressman Issa's wilderness legislation.
These recommended lands are home to bighorn sheep, desert tortoise, and Joshua Tree forests and contain prehistoric Native American sites. Encompassing wind and water sculpted canyons, sand dunes, and valleys of desert wild flowers, these lands provide unrivaled recreational opportunities for Americans to hike, camp, and experience nature. Tourists from around the globe flock to these places each year, contributing millions of dollars to the local economy of nearby communities.
In addition to the lands in Southern California, the Department of the Interior recommended English Ridge in Mendocino County for wilderness designation by Congress. This special area is situated along the narrow, twisting canyon of the Eel River and its streams and old-growth forests provide important habitat for salmon, steelhead trout and other sensitive species. The area offers tremendous solitude and a unique recreational experience to visitors because it can only be legally accessed either by boat or foot from the Eel River.
The CWC applauds the Department of Interior's recommendations for wilderness. Its an exciting milestone to have the Administration's support for preserving the places we know and love. We will continue to advocate for Congress to pass the pending bills and take action to preserve these important wild places!
REPORT FROM WASHINGTON
Volunteers and staff in front of the Capitol Building. Photo by Cheryl Kandel.
During the week of September 18th, CWC representatives Kristi Davis, Laurel Williams, Ryan Henson and Steve Evans joined a team of volunteer advocates in Washington, DC for Great Outdoors America Week. Like the traditional Wilderness Week of years past, Great Outdoors America Week was an opportunity for people from around the nation to gather in the Capitol to advocate for their favorite wild places.
California veterans joined business women and a retired fire chief to walk the marble halls and visit with members of congress. The California Desert Protection Act of 2011 was one of the highlighted campaigns and volunteers spoke of how increased wilderness protections will help bring in the tourist dollars that keep their businesses afloat. Veterans spoke of the healing benefits that a tranquil desert hike can offer returning soldiers as well as the daily recreational opportunities nearby wilderness offers families who live on the military bases in the California desert.
Proposed wilderness areas and wild and scenic rivers near Ojai and Santa Barbara were also discussed with lawmakers, and advocates pointed out the importance of preserving the beauty and diversity of the Los Padres National Forest for future generations. Volunteers told stories of hiking through the wild lands proposed as additions to the Dick Smith, Matilija, and Sespe wilderness areas and about seeing iconic species including the California Condor.
As part of Great Outdoors America Week, more than 30 volunteers and staff from California attended dozens of meetings to advocate for wilderness designations for their favorite places, to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, to preserve our wild rivers, and to expand our National Parks.
Volunteers also had the opportunity to attend trainings and seminars on how to advocate effectively, to hear from Administration officials on preserving our nation’s public lands, and to honor Congressional wilderness champions.
CWC's team of volunteers hailed from all corners of California and took time away from their busy lives, families, and jobs to be a voice for protecting wild California. The CWC wants to extend an enormous thank you to our volunteers for their amazing work in DC, and thanks to all our members and supporters for making this trip possible.
A Vet's argument for preserving San Gabriels
May 29,2011
By Rick Reyes
Wilderness proposal gets new life in Congress
January 6, 2011
Read the full article here.
New Video features the CWC
This new video produced by PEW features Laurel Williams talking about the importance of the California desert. Watch it on YouTube.
Ventura County Star
Groups to work to protect 900,000 acres of forest
Los Padres to benefit from agreement
December 15,2010
By Stephanie Hoops
Read the full article here.
Hi-Desert Star
Letter to the Editor: Support bill to protect public lands
October 2, 2010
By Mark Wheeler
Joshua Tree
Saturday, Sept. 25, was National Public Lands Day, an occasion for recognizing the value of public lands to this nation's heritage, to the preservation of its abundant natural endowments and its cherished scenic
legacy. Volunteers joined with Joshua Tree National Park to spend the day accomplishing a variety of different clean-up and restoration duties.
National Public Lands Day is one of many opportunities for us to show our support for the preservation and committed stewardship of natural environments and their resources. We can volunteer with public and private land-use agencies, donate time and/or money to land trust and conservation easement projects, encourage environmental education programs in our communities, join conservation movements and much more. We can also support legislation, and currently Senate Bill 2921 is the most important Southern
California desert lands legislation in process.
Called the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA), the bill was introduced by Senator Diane Feinstein. Intended to preserve and protect over a million acres of desert lands, including new additions to Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave National Preserve and Death Valley National Park, the bill was
conceived to also uphold specified provisions for multi-use and to add 70 miles of river corridor to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
Chief preservation goals for the CDPA are to protect critical habitat for both plants and animals and to safeguard important migration corridors for wildlife. It will create two new national monuments: the Sand to Snow National Monument at 133,000 acres and the Mojave Trails National Monument at 941,000 acres as well as adding 173,000 acres to the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Supporters of this bill can encourage Congressman Jerry Lewis to give it his endorsement: 2112 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515.
Keeping the West Wild
September 27, 2010
LOS ANGELES - Wilderness Week begins today with a show of force in the nation's capital. A group of Californians committed to keeping the West wild is joining organizations from 15 other states to meet with decision-makers on Capitol Hill.
Laurel Williams with the California Wilderness Association is talking up the positives she sees in the pending California Desert Protection Act.
"We're really excited that it would preserve about 300,000 acres of the California desert as wilderness and they're really the last wild places left out there."
Williams says the California Desert Protection Act is not just a wilderness bill: it's also good for eco-tourism.
"It's going to protect our landscape that people come from all over the world to visit and kind of keeps the eco-tourism engine driving. Now, in this economy, it's more important than ever that we keep areas protected that people spend their money to come and see."
She says California's deserts see about 6.7 million visitors each year, who end up spending around $230 million annually.
Senator Dianne Feinstein of California is sponsoring the bill. Besides the new wilderness designation, it would also expand protection for more than one million acres of other desert lands, including Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks, and the Mojave National Preserve. Two new national monuments would also be created: the Mojave Trails and the Sand to Snow, which is 45 miles east of Riverside.
More information can be found at www.calwild.org
Lori Abbott, Public News Service - CA
15 Million Acres and Counting – CA Celebrates National Wilderness Month
September 10, 2010
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - President Obama has proclaimed September as National Wilderness Month. And, with the second largest amount of protected wilderness area in the nation, California has a lot to celebrate. Although Alaska has more, the Golden State's 15 million acres of wilderness will be protected for generations to come.
Ryan Henson, policy director with the California Wilderness Coalition, says environmentalists have worked hard in recent years to protect areas around San Diego and Los Angeles, and in the southern California desert. He says legislation pending in Congress will protect about 7 million to 9 million more acres.
"In the face of war and the economy and everything it might seem sort of small change, but the fact that wilderness is basically forever - or as forever as we can get in American politics - it rises in importance, and I'm hoping that Congress will act."
California's largest piece of legislation pending in Congress is Sen. Dianne Feinstein's California Desert Protection Act of 2010. The act would preserve nearly 1.5 million acres of Southern California Desert and create two new national monuments.
On the national level, Mike Matz, executive director of the Pew Campaign for America's Wilderness, says people around the country have proposed at least 2 million acres of new federally protected wilderness, and all are waiting for Congress to act on it. He hopes National Wilderness Month revives the discussion.
"These are all places that people have really worked on from the ground up; they support it locally. So, it would be great to see this accomplished, and this is a good way to draw attention to that."
In his proclamation, President Obama also reiterated his desire to create jobs and a sustainable tourism program that revolve around the country's natural resources.
Lori Abbott, Public News Service - CA
Conservation a team effort, officials told
July 8th, 2010
By Cory Goldern, Davis Enterprise staff writer
How resource conservation gets done is changing, Obama administration officials said at an event held Wednesday on the UC Davis campus that gave them a chance to hear from citizens working with government and private landowners to protect places they care about.
Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, representatives of the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said such projects are less likely to be about large tracts of land taken over by one government agency and more like the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area: community bringing nonprofit organizations and government agencies together.
“I grew up in an era where if you were going to do conservation, a government entity came in and did it,” said Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, who led the session.
“Those days are gone. Government entities have to be part of it but it takes a very participatory private sector to even start the process.”
The partnership in the bypass has yielded a key regional flood-control feature managed by the State Department of Fish and Game in a way that supports both wildlife habitat and agriculture. It attracts millions of birds and with them thousands of hunters, bird watchers and, through the Yolo Basin Foundation's educational outreach programs, schoolchildren each year.
The administration hopes to lay out a new agenda soon after for conserving natural resources, historic sites and farmland while encouraging Americans to spend more time outdoors and build new urban and community parks.
Said Sutley, “It's about communities coming together to protect places that are special to them and how we as the federal government can support those efforts as part of an overall land-conservation agenda. Those iconic pieces of land and parks and historic places are still very important, but we're building this from the community level up.”
Wednesday's event drew more than 250 people to the Mondavi Center's Vanderhoef Studio Theatre. It was the fifth session held across the country since President Obama announced his “America's Great Outdoors” initiative in April. Another 15 to 20 sessions will be held before cabinet members sign off on a report due on Obama's desk in November.
Will Shafroth, principal deputy secretary for the Department of the Interior, said a theme was emerging about “private landowners — whether it be ranchers, farmers or foresters — and their interest in stewarding their land for the long-term ... Whether it's in the wetlands of South Carolina or the big ranch lands of Montana or the Chesapeake Bay region, that theme is consistent around the country.”
At UCD, officials heard from: the California Rice Foundation and Ducks Unlimited about the importance of privately held wetlands to millions of birds migrating along the Pacific flyway; Andy Beckstoffer, who grows thousands of acres of grapes in Napa, Sonoma and Lake counties on conservation easements; and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which has worked with landowners and state and local governments across California to conserve and improve habitat, including the Cache Creek Natural Area.
They also took comments on a myriad issues of local concern from 27 members of the audience, not least a large contingent from Tuleyome.
The Woodland-based environmental organization is pushing for the bringing together of 470,000 acres of public land — from Solano County's Blue Ridge mountains past Lake Berryessa to the Snow Mountain area in Lake, Glenn and Colusa counties 100 miles to the north — as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area. Audience members talked up its promise as a recreation area for the millions of people living in the Bay Area and Sacramento region and its importance for everything from native plant to fish species.
A Family Water Alliance representative countered that neighboring landowners oppose the project because they're worried about the trespassing, poaching and fire hazards posed by a new designation for the land, which they see as sufficiently protected.
Dave Feliz, who manages the bypass for Fish and Game, asked that officials make room at the table for those who live and work in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta in the discussion about that fragile ecosystem's future.
Robin Kulakow of the Yolo Basin Foundation said its education programs need grant funding to hire staff, but she also urged support for curriculum standards requiring outdoor education and transportation money so that school districts without buses can take advantage of similar programs.
Steve Greco, an associate professor of environmental design at UCD, talked about the increasing isolation of wildlife areas nationally and, locally, the need to connect habitat areas linking the Sacramento River to the Coast Range, while Jim Thorne, a UCD environmental science and policy analyst, explained the good for wildlife that can be done by planting live oaks along roadways and the need for regional conservation planning.
Others spoke on such subjects as the pros and cons of off-road vehicles, supporting conservation corps as a way to provide jobs and a connection to the environment for youth, the need for improved trail systems for hiking and biking, reducing hurdles and increasing funding for land trusts and using fishing and storytelling as ways to get kids excited about the outdoors.
For more about the “America's Great Outdoors” initiative or to send comments, see http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors. —
Reach Cory Golden at cgolden@davisenterprise.net or 747-8046. Track him at http://twitter.com/cory_golden
California Wilderness Coalition shows Robert Redford Conservation Film in Escondido
The film Forever Wild: Celebrating America's Wilderness, screened last night at the Stone Brewery in Escondido, by the California Wilderness Coalition. Narrated by Robert Redford, the inspiring film introduces the viewer to the ever increasing need for wilderness preservation in California.
Since 1964 when President Johnson signed the Wilderness Act into legislation, over one million acres of pristine desert land has been preserved and protected. In 2009 Congressman Darrell Issa introduced the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act. This proposed bill will add thirteen thousand acres of land to the Beauty Mountain Wilderness and seven thousand acres to Agua Tibia. Both of these areas lie in the northern region of San Diego County. Please reference the attached map regarding HR 4304. This bill will not only preserve the land, it will also enhance the local economy and tourism as well. Continue reading this article....
ConservationNEXT Backyard Collective Kicks off 2010 Schedule with Event in the Presidio of San Francisco
Bend, Ore. (April 19, 2010) — ConservationNEXT, a program of The Conservation Alliance, will organize the second annual Bay Area Backyard Collective Friday, April 23 at the San Francisco Presidio. After a successful inaugural event in the Bay area last year, ConservationNEXT is excited for the region’s second year that will bring together outdoor industry employees and Conservation Alliance grantees for a hands-on environmental stewardship event. . This year employees from The North Face, CamelBak, Mountain Hardwear, CLIF Bar, and Ahnu Footwear will be volunteering for the day. 
“This is a great way for our Bay Area member companies to celebrate Earth Day,”said John Sterling, Conservation Alliance Executive Director. “We look forward to a great turnout!”
The April 23rd event will support a three-phase restoration project of San Francisco Presidio, organized by the California Wilderness Coalition and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The event will also feature a volunteer fair at which local Conservation Alliance grantees will share information on their current conservation initiatives. Complementing the volunteer fair will be a celebratory catered BBQ lunch served from 12-1pm, in between two volunteer work sessions. The entire event will be from 9am to 4pm.
The Conservation Alliance is a group of outdoor industry companies that fund conservation organizations. The Alliance launched ConservationNEXT in August 2008 to connect individuals in the outdoor industry with the work of organizations that receive financial support from the group. ConservationNEXT.com provides people with opportunities to take online action in support of conservation. The Backyard Collective moves that action to the field, and gives people a venue to get their “hands dirty” for the sake of conservation.
Check out more photos from the event on our Facebook Page
About the Conservation Alliance:
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas.
Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.
Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed nearly $8 million to grassroots environmental groups. Alliance funding has helped save over 49 million acres of wildlands; 27 dams have either been stopped or removed; and the group helped preserve access to more than 16,000 miles of waterways and several climbing areas.
For complete information on the Conservation Alliance, see www.conservationalliance.com.
About The ConservationNEXT Backyard Collectives
ConservationNEXT, a program of The Conservation Alliance, announced the launch of the Backyard Collective in 2008. The initiatives goal is to connect individuals in the outdoor industry with the work of organizations that receive financial support from the Alliance through the online forum, www.ConservationNEXT.com. This initiative provides people with opportunities to take online action in support of conservation. The Backyard Collective moves that action to the field, and gives people a venue to get involved at the grassroots level and help further the conservation efforts within their communities.
In 2009, The Conservation Alliance hosted seven Backyard Collectives with their 22 participating grantees, 34 participating member companies, and more than 400 volunteers. These seven events allowed the volunteers to help clean up their communities’ recreational areas by removing trash, eradicating invasive species, restoring and building trails and re-planting marsh lands. Learn more about these initiatives by visiting www.ConservationNEXT.com and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
Check out more Pictures from the Backyard Collective on our Facebook Page
Feinstein Introduces California Desert Land Protection Bill- 12/21/09
Bill would designate important wilderness in the California Desert and protect lands for recreation, wildlife and tourism
The California Wilderness Coalition along with community, business and conservation leaders from the California desert region are applauding a new proposal by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) that would increase protection for 1.6 million acres of desert landscapes celebrated both for their contributions to America’s national heritage and to the local economy.
The proposed legislation, known as the California Desert Protection Act of 2010 S. 2921, will designate 394,807 acres of wilderness from the Avawatz Mountains near Death Valley to the largest Sonoran woodland in North America along the Colorado River. The legislation would also create two new national monuments—the Mojave Trails and the Sand to Snow—and expand Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks and the Mojave National Preserve. It will also protect important waterways such as the Amargosa River and Deep Creek as Wild and Scenic Rivers.
“We applaud the leadership, foresight and vision that Senator Feinstein has shown in finding a common-sense way to protect our valuable desert wilderness for people and wildlife,” said Monica Argandoña, the San Bernardino County based Desert Program Director at The California Wilderness Coalition. She also noted that the proposal has strong local support from a diverse group of stakeholders throughout the desert region. “This proposal has truly been a local grassroots effort and has something for everyone.”
Read the rest of this article here and show your support for this important bill by writing a letter to Senator Feinstein
Issa Introduces Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Bill - 12/16/09
On December 14, 2009 Representative Darrell Issa (Republican, Vista), who represents northern San Diego County, introduced the "Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act of 2009" (HR 4304). CWC and local residents strongly support this bill because it would protect two of southern California's most important areas of open space as wilderness.
The Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act of 2009 would add over 7,796 acres to the existing Agua Tibia Wilderness and would expand the Beauty Mountain Wilderness by an additional 13,635 acres. Representative Issa's bill would build on successful legislation sponsored earlier this year by Senator Barbara Boxer (Democrat, California) and Representative Mary Bono Mack (Republican, Palm Springs) whose "California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act" established the Beauty Mountain Wilderness and enlarged the Agua Tibia Wilderness that was established in 1975.
Click here for details about the bill and to write a letter thanking Darrell Issa
CWC Plans for Desert Wild Spaces
TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA.: Saving our wild lands was the theme. The California Wilderness Coalition (CWC) held an important planning meeting at the 29 Palms Inn on September 23 through September 27, 2009. The board meeting and staff retreat dealt with legislation to protect California’s wild lands and building constituencies to protect those lands, particularly the California desert. Artist Mary-Austin Klein of Twentynine Palms is the president of the CWC board.
The deserts of California currently face challenges in dealing with an onrush of corporate efforts to use vast areas of open and untouched wild areas for solar power and wind power sites. Alternative energy is an important national priority. The CWC’s efforts focus on cooperative community planning for these sites so that they satisfy our nation’s needs for alternative energy without damaging our wildlife and scenic areas which are so important to our economic and environmental values.
Curt Sauer, Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent, and Stephanie Weigel, Regional Land Use Planner with the Sonoran Institute, discussed local land use issues. They emphasized the importance of maintaining wildlife links between Joshua Tree National Park and the Twentynine Palms Marine Base.
Paul Smith of the 29 Palms Inn and the Innkeepers Association, shared his thoughts on the need to protect our wilderness tourism assets which attract over 1,200,000 visitors each year to Joshua Tree National Park and the surrounding desert wild areas. These visitors are attracted by the untouched open spaces of the desert. Their economic effect on tax revenues, property values, and local business income is substantial.
Check back here for developments in desert wilderness protection from the California Wilderness Coalition.
Watch the film Forever Wild on KQED to celebrate 45 years of Wilderness!
Duration: 56:46 minutes CC Stereo TVG
Forever Wild is a First Light Films production that captures the immense beauty and benefits of America's protected wilderness. This film celebrates the legacy of the Wilderness Act of 1974 during its 45th anniversary year. From the wild lands that have been designated as wilderness to those citizens who have devoted their lives to protecting wild lands, this film explores and celebrates all that wilderness has provided for our country. Tune in this week on KQED and see CWC's very own Ryan Henson featured in this film for his long term work in protecting California's wilderness.
Watch the trailer for Forever Wild here
9/3/2009
CWC Celebrates the 45th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act of 1964!
Today marks an important conservation milestone in American history! On September 3, 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law this historic legislation, which changed everything about wilderness preservation. This legislation created the Natinal Wilderness Preservation System,ensuring that those who wish to fish, hike, ski, hunt, camp, ride horses, look at birds and flowers, or simply relax in peaceful surroundings, will always be able to do so in the places that they love.
For over 30 years we’ve been leading the fight to safeguard the wildlands of our state. CWC has helped protect more than 12 million acres by spearheading numerous conservation campaigns. Most recently, CWC has championed efforts to preserve over 700,000 acres of wilderness in California through the passage of Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, signed into law on March 30, 2009, by President Obama.
Today, in honor of the 45th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, please make a special donation to CWC. The California Wilderness Coalition is the only statewide organization that brings together individuals and organizations for the vigorous defense of California’s remaining wildlands. The generosity of our members allows our staff to dedicate their time and talents to building the coalitions of support that are necessary to preserve California’s wild spaces.
Suggested Anniversary donations:
$19.64 (recurring monthly donation)
$45
$1,964
Click here to donate through our secure website.
7/12/2009 - San Diego County Wilderness Additions Proposed
Yesterday, Congressman Darrell Issa (Republican, Vista) who represents northern San Diego County announced his intention to introduce the "Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act of 2009," a bill strongly supported by the CWC and other conservation groups because it would protect two of southern California's most important areas of open space as wilderness.
The Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia Wilderness Act of 2009 would add over 7,796 acres to the existing Agua Tibia Wilderness and would expand the Beauty Mountain Wilderness by an additional 13,635 acres. Representative Issa's bill would build on successful legislation sponsored earlier this year by Senator 
Barbara Boxer (Democrat, California) and Representative Mary Bono Mack (Republican, Palm Springs) whose "California Desert and Mountain Heritage Act" established the Beauty Mountain Wilderness and enlarged the Agua Tibia Wilderness that was established in 1975.
Characterized by deep canyons and rugged coastal sage scrub, Agua Tibia is enjoyed by thousands of hikers and equestrians each year who travel through the region via the rugged Cutca Trail. As its name implies, Beauty Mountain is a scenic jewel draped in chaparral, fascinating rock formations and oak woodlands. Both of these areas provide endless recreational opportunities as well as priceless habitat for endangered wildlife. Both areas serve as critical plant and wildlife corridors between Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and the coastal mountains of Riverside and San Diego counties.
Representative Issa toured the areas and agreed to help protect them both for their scenic and habitat values and also because they provide excellent recreation opportunities for his constituents and others. Representative Issa has posted a copy of his draft legislation and his wilderness proposal maps on his website at the following links:
Proposed Beauty Mountain Legislation (Draft)
Map of Agua Tibia Proposed Wilderness Additions
Map of Beauty Mountain Wilderness Additions
The congressman is seeking public input until August 17, 2009 on the idea of protecting the areas. As he says on his website, "I'm asking for the public to review and share their ideas so that this wilderness area is created in full consultation with those who will enjoy the benefits of protecting this land and live near it."
Please take a moment to e-mail Representative Issa at beautymountain@mail.house.gov to thank him for his efforts to protect these beautiful places. If you have visited either of them or if you are one of his constituents, please share that information with him as well.
Sample letter:
Dear Congressman Issa: I strongly support your efforts to protect the Beauty Mountain and Agua Tibia areas.
Protecting these areas enhances the local tourism and recreation-based economy, and ensures that their magnificent scenery, outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities, and rich wildlife habitat are conserved for future generations to visit and enjoy. Thank you again for introducing this important bill. If there is anything that I can do to help pass this legislation, please let me know.
Sincerely, etc.
2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act Facts
