Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) yesterday introduced legislation to expand the boundary of the California Coastal National Monument to include the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, located in Mendocino County, California. Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA) introduced similar legislation in the House earlier this year.

Senator Feinstein said, “Including Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands in the expansion of the California Coastal National Monument will benefit the local tourist economy and ensure this magnificent piece of coastline is preserved and protected for generations to come.”

Senator Boxer said, “Expanding the National Monument to include the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands will preserve this spectacular area for future generations and help boost the local tourism economy in Mendocino County, which supports 5,000 jobs.”

Congressman Thompson said, “Preserving the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands is good for our environment and economy. This legislation will support travel and tourism jobs, and will make sure this wonderful stretch of coast is around for our kids and grandkids to enjoy.”

This legislation would help preserve and protect the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, which contain many natural formations such as bridges, waterfalls, sinkholes, blowholes, and the Garcia River estuary. 

The current National Monument includes more than 20,000 small islands, rocks, reefs, and pinnacles located off the California coastline.  The Point Arena Stornetta Public Lands would be the first on-shore addition to the National Monument.

Senators Boxer and Feinstein also sent a letter to President Obama urging him to expedite the process by using his executive authority to include these public lands in the National Monument.  You can read the full letter HERE.