Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) today released the following statement after the White House announced the designation of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument:

“I fully support President Obama’s designation of a portion of the San Gabriel Mountains as a National Monument. This new monument will provide permanent protections for 346,177 acres of national forest lands that serve more than 4 million visitors each year. The San Gabriel Mountains provide an important outdoor recreation area for urban residents and today’s designation will preserve that role for generations to come.

“The president's action means we are protecting many historic, scientific and natural resources and preserving vital open space. The designation also protects the San Gabriel watershed, which provides nearly one-third of Los Angeles County’s drinking water.

“This designation is the product of important cooperation between local elected officials, community organizations and individuals who came together to push for and support inclusion of certain federal lands. The designation does not affect private property, infrastructure, water rights or the ability to fight wildfires.”

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