House Natural Resources Committee Holds Hearing on Huffman's Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act

Statement

Representative Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) today joined a subcommittee hearing on the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forest Act, his legislation to guard communities against wildfires, provide local jobs, restore lands impaired by illegal marijuana growing operations, expand recreational opportunities, and permanently protect many of northwest California's spectacular wild places and pristine streams.

The hearing was held in the Natural Resources Committee's Subcommittee on National Forests, Parks, and Public Lands, which heard testimony from Kent Collard, the Director of Bar 717 Ranch in Trinity County, and from Trinity County Supervisor Keith Groves, along with executive branch witnesses. Trinity County Supervisor Jeremy Brown was also in attendance at the hearing.

"My district includes some of the most majestic landscapes and biodiverse ecosystems in California. It's home to the only major undammed river in the state, the Smith. It's home to old-growth forests like our ancient redwoods, unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities like hiking, fishing, biking, paddling, and climbing," said Rep. Huffman in today's hearing. "It's critical to take care of these places and to ensure a future for the communities and economies that rely on them. It's exactly what my bill would do. This bill reflects input from diverse stakeholders over many years of hard work. It would protect important wild places on federal lands, also restore forests and fish habitat, benefit local economies and wildlife, increase recreational opportunities and spur tourism, and protect communities by increasing fire resilience."

"I appreciate the chance to appear before you today, my one voice in place of the many who support this bill, knowing the benefits it will bring to forests, wildlife, people, and the communities of Northwestern California," said Kent Collard, Director, Bar 717 Ranch, Camp Trinity. "Like many other businesses in this area, ours is fueled by people seeking to experience the wild beauty of Trinity County. Our business is recreation, and recreation is a growing industry in California as the population increases and urbanizes. H.R. 2250 recognizes and promotes the economic opportunities that recreation presents to our rural communities."

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