Hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee - Berryessa NCA Legislation

Hearing

"Thank you Chairman Bishop, Ranking Member Grijalva, and subcommittee members for holding today's hearing on H.R. 1025, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act.

"This legislation would designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region as a National Conservation Area (NCA).

"The Berryessa Snow Mountain area in Northern California encompasses more than 350,000 acres across Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Solano and Yolo Counties. The area is rich in biodiversity, including bald eagles, black bears, mountain lions, elk, and rare plants found nowhere else on Earth.

"This is one of the largest regions of relatively undisturbed public lands in California and can be easily visited from both the Sacramento and San Francisco areas. This makes it an ideal area for wildlife and public recreation.

"Under this designation, all current federally owned lands located within the proposed NCA boundary would be permanently protected as a conservation area and united under one management plan. This would allow the region to be managed according to the site-specific needs located there.

"Establishing this NCA would improve coordination among federal agencies; protect essential migratory corridors for wildlife; keep water clean; and may lead to federal funding opportunities for conservation protection, invasive plant eradication, recreation management, and a coordinated multi-agency fire management plan.

"It is important to note that the proposed NCA would only apply to federal lands and would not impact in any way, other lands located within its boundaries, including private property. As a result, current access to, and uses of, private land would not be affected by this proposal.

"In addition, no legally open roads or motorized vehicle trails would be closed as a result of this proposed NCA designation. The NCA designation would also not impose any new regulations on hunting, fishing, or firearm use located there.

"Over the last three years, in developing this legislation I have worked closely with all stakeholders in the Berryessa Snow Mountain region, held public meetings for residents to express their views, and updated the bill based on their feedback.
In fact, the bill you are considering today reflects changes I promised my constituents at town hall meetings last year.

"These changes include additional bill language to further clarify that the proposed NCA designation would not impact the use of private property in the region, and additional language to ensure that the legislation would not impact motorized recreation on Lake Berryessa.

"I also updated language at the suggestion of local farmers and ranchers to ensure that all existing grazing located within the proposed NCA will continue unchanged.

"As the committee knows, outdoor recreation and protected lands help the local economy. Jobs and personal income often rise in local communities after nearby areas are permanently protected. That same potential is offered in the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.

"H.R. 1025 has broad local support. It is supported by Boards of Supervisors, Chambers of Commerce and local cities.

"It is also supported by more than 65 local elected officials; more than 200 businesses representing all five involved counties; nearly 30 landowners and farmers; and more than 35 recreation and conservation groups.

"The Berryessa Snow Mountain Region is a national treasure. We have a responsibility to preserve it and make sure the region is managed efficiently and responsibly.

"Designating the region as a National Conservation Area would preserve the land, help our local economies, and benefit those who live in and visit the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region.

"Thank you again for holding today's hearing and I welcome any questions you may have."

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