FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA'S WILD HERITAGE ACT 

Senator Barbara Boxer (D., CA) introduced the California Wild Heritage Act, S. 2535, in May 2002. The bill would designate 76 new wilderness areas in California encompassing approximately 2.5 million acres of federal lands. Included are roadless and undeveloped lands under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, and the National Park Service, as well as undammed rivers and streams. More than 500 linear miles of river would be added to the national Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Efforts are being made to convince Senator Dianne Feinstein (D., CA) to co-sponsor S. 2535 and to help schedule hearings before Congress adjourns this year.

Companion bills have been introduced in the House. The northern half of the state is covered by H.R. 4948 introduced by Rep. Mike Thompson, who represents the north coast of California. H.R. 4949, covering the southern half of the state, has been introduced by Rep. Hilda Solis from southern California. In addition, Rep. Sam Farr has introduced H.R. 4750 which would protect those areas in his district along the central coast.

However, the legislation includes provisions not included in the Wilderness Act that could harm the wilderness character of the areas which would be designated by the bill or would allow activities not otherwise permitted in wilderness.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs endorses the California Wild Heritage Act, S. 2535, and companion bills pending before the House of Representatives (H.R. 4948, H.R. 4949, and H.R. 4750) and urges its member organizations to actively support this legislation. The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs opposes special provisions in the bill that could weaken wilderness protection for areas which would be designated by the bill or would allow activities not otherwise permitted in wilderness.

Furthermore the Federation urges its member organizations to contact Senator Dianne Feinstein (D., CA) as soon as possible to ask her to co-sponsor S.2535 and to help schedule hearings before Congress adjourns this year. Her fax number is 202/228-3954; her phone number is 202/224-3841.