The Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act (HR 5149/S 2567) took an important step toward becoming law on May 24, as Bush Administration officials, both of California's senators, and Rep. McKeon delivered powerful testimony in support of this conservation measure at a hearing before the United States Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests.

"We are pleased that Congressman McKeon and our two U.S. Senators have introduced this bill after years of public discussions. Our future generations will be grateful for the far-sightedness of our representatives," said Mono County Supervisor Byng Hunt. "This bill assures protection of the remarkable natural, recreational, economic, and cultural values of the region. We now look forward to quick passage in the House of Representatives," added Hunt.

"Wild and scenic status for the Amargosa River will forever protect one of the region's most beautiful natural areas," said Brian Brown, owner of China Ranch Date Farm in Inyo County. "Preserving this river will be a boon to our local economy. A true desert oasis, the waters of the Amargosa River sustain more than 260 different types of birds, including several threatened and endangered species and is a haven for visitors," added Brown.

The bill is in part a result of a compromise adopted by the Mono County Board of Supervisors that recommends that a portion of the West Hoover planning area be designated as wilderness while other lands remain open for snowmobile use. The agreement was designed to resolve long-standing winter use conflict in the area, and the legislation reflects this local agreement by omitting 11,000 acres of proposed wilderness from the bill to allow snowmobilers to continue to ride there.

"Given the popularity of these areas, it is necessary to find a compromise between protection of the land and local wildlife, and recreational sport," said Rep. McKeon during the hearing. "This legislation provides such a compromise, affording land for recreation and preservation. Preserving wilderness areas for future generations is imperative, and this bill is an opportunity to do so."

Background
The Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act (HR 5149/S 2567), would protect approximately 40,000 acres of wilderness in California's Eastern Sierra, and designate 24 river miles in the California desert as a federal Wild and Scenic River. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) sponsored the bill in the Senate and Congressman Buck McKeon (R-CA) introduced the House measure on April 6.

HR 5149/S 2567 includes the Hoover Wilderness Addition, bordering Yosemite National Park. The Hoover Addition features snow-capped peaks, deeply carved glacial valleys, fish-inhabited alpine lakes, lush meadows, and extensive conifer forests, and contains approximately nine miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. The nearby Emigrant Wilderness Addition, adjacent to the existing Emigrant Wilderness, protects an approximately two-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail as it weaves its way across the Sierra Crest.

The bill also seeks wild and scenic status for the Amargosa River in Inyo County. The only river flowing into Death Valley, the Amargosa River is a fertile green sanctuary in a harsh desert setting. Seasonal for much of its winding 200-mile journey, this section of the Amargosa flows perennially. The Amargosa River supports a wide array of wildlife and offers outstanding recreational opportunities as it cuts through ancient, rugged canyons.

For More Information

• Sally Miller, The Wilderness Society, CA-NV Office, (760) 934-4473 
• Derek Chernow, California Wild Heritage Campaign, (916) 442-3155 x 207