Congressmen Garamendi Testifies on Berryessa National Conservation Area Legislation

Press Release

Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3) and Mike Thompson (CA-5) today testified at a Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation in support of H.R. 1025, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act. Judy Ahmann, a private land owner and rancher from Napa, also testified in support of the legislation.

H.R. 1025, introduced by Thompson in March 2013, would designate the 350,000 acre 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.

Congressman John Garamendi, former Deputy Secretary of the Interior, said, "The Berryessa Snow Mountain NCA bill would open up a range of business opportunities for our region. The bill allows for federal agencies to coordinate on management of federal lands. The NCA designation has a proven track record of increasing tourism and creating jobs, which is why H.R. 1025 has garnered the support of Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Supervisors, Northern California cities, and other local stakeholders. I thank Congressman Thompson for introducing this legislation. It has been a pleasure working with Mike and our constituents in shaping the bill to fit our local needs."

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