Washington–U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both D-Calif.) today praised President Obama for using his authority to designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Monument. The move will elevate the status of the region and provide better management and protection for more than 350,000 acres of publicly-owned land in Lake, Mendocino, Napa, Glenn, Colusa, Solano and Yolo Counties. The designation will also promote tourism and outdoor recreation across the region.

“Berryessa Snow Mountain stands out among California’s stunning natural resources as one of the most biologically diverse and beautiful, home to distinctive wildlife, vegetation and Native American cultural sites. I’m thrilled this special place will receive lasting federal protection. In the absence of congressional action on Berryessa, President Obama is right to take executive action, protecting more than 300,000 acres and boosting local communities,” said Senator Feinstein.

Senator Boxer said, “For years, our coalition has worked to protect these lands and I applaud the President because his actions will preserve this magnificent area for generations and boost the local economy.”

The new National Monument covers lands stretching south of Berryessa Peak in Yolo County, up to the Snow Mountain and beyond into Mendocino County. The area provides a haven for hiking, camping, rafting and horseback riding and is home to a diverse array of wildlife including bald and golden eagles, black bears and tule elk. The elevated designation will preserve the area’s natural resources and protect the region for future generations. The new designation will also help raise the profile of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region, increasing tourism and business opportunities for local communities. A map of the new Monument is available here.

The elevated designation strengthens cooperation between federal land managers with local residents, outdoors enthusiasts and business owners in order for stakeholders to share their ideas for preserving and promoting the area’s wildlife and pristine rivers, forests, ridges, canyons and creeks. The new designation will also unite all currently publicly-owned land within the area under one management plan, allowing for better coordination among federal agencies to protect wildlife, restore habitat, improve water quality, expand recreational opportunities and prevent wildfires.

Supporters of this designation include the Lake, Napa, Solano, Mendocino, and Yolo County Boards of Supervisors; the Calistoga and Napa and Winters Chambers of Commerce; the cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Davis, Lakeport, Napa, St. Helena, West Sacramento and Winters; and over 200 businesses. In addition, over 25 local and national recreation and conservation organizations support the increased status, including Tuleyome, The Wilderness Society, California Wilderness Coalition, and the Conservation Lands Foundation, amongst others.

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