Groundswell of Support for Yosemite Expansion Act
Bipartisan Group of California Legislators Support Bill to Protect the Park’s Vulnerable Western Border
(For Immediate Release–July 17, 2012) Yosemite has a lot of friends these days. Signaling their support for the Yosemite Boundary Expansion Act of 2012, which Representative Jim Costa (D-20th) introduced in late June, 47 members of California’s State Legislature sent a letter to the rest of California’s Congressional Delegation urging them to give H.R. 5907 and its companion bill in the Senate their full and active support.
Rep. Costa has also been working hard for Yosemite, rallying a bipartisan group of co-sponsors for the Expansion Act that includes Reps. Lungren (R-3rd), Denham (R-19th), Thompson (D-1st). Representatives Cardoza (D-18th) and Richardson (D-37th) have also come out in support of the bill.
Building upon this outpouring of support, Representative Costa has requested a legislative hearing on H.R. 5907 in the House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands that should speed the bill along toward passage. He contacted Chairman Rob Bishop and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva directly with this request.
Environmental groups from around the country have also rallied around the bill, calling on Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to introduce a companion bill. The Sierra Club, Environment California, Pacific Forest Trust, National Resources Defense Council, the National Parks Conservation Association, and the Yosemite Conservancy among others sent a letter directly to the Senators and other California Representatives urging their support.
The legislation itself will restore approximately 1,600 acres to the Park that were included in John Muir’s original proposal for the Park’s boundaries. Currently, the land is privately owned and sandwiched between Yosemite’s Southwest border and Sierra National Forest, making its inclusion in the Park that much more important to preserve the larger network of fragile ecosystems and critical habitats that exists between these two lands.
“From Yosemite Falls to Half Dome to Tuolumne Meadows, there is no debating that Yosemite is one of our national treasures that must be preserved for future generations. This legislation marks the commitment of Californians from all walks of life to protecting and building on the legacy of the last 150 years,” said Rep. Costa.
Rep. Lungren agreed, noting: “Yosemite is a very special place to me and all who visit this national treasure. This bill will help to return the park to its originally proposed boundaries, and is an opportunity which may not be possible in the future. If we don’t act, this land will likely be developed and the chance to keep this area in its natural state is lost forever.”
The 150th anniversary celebration honoring the original grant occurs in 2014. “Passing this legislation will allow land to be transferred to the Park in time to really honor the occasion,” said Linda Adams, a PFT Board Member who worked closely with Mr. Costa on the legislation.
“For 150 years generations of families have been able to enjoy the wonders of Yosemite. This will enhance families’ enjoyment for hundreds of years more,” said Thompson. “Yosemite is a natural treasure, and that it is why we are working across the aisle to make sure it is protected for our kids and grandkids.”
Park visitation is a major economic contributor to Mariposa County, and the protection of this land will create important new public recreational opportunities, as well. This bill will help prevent further rural sprawl, maintain important wildlife habitat, and reduce both the risk of wildfire starts and the cost of protecting homes built in the woods.
The landowners affected by the proposal, as well as the Yosemite West Homeowners Association, have unanimously indicated that they support the legislation. Notably, the legislation would allow the Park to accept these properties, but does not appropriate any funds, leaving that action to existing land protection programs.
The Pacific Forest Trust is proud to be working closely with Representative Costa and the Park Service to ensure that this important landscape will be forever protected as part of the Park. Since 2004, PFT has acquired over 1,000 acres of land threatened by development in this area, with the intention of adding the property to the Park and preserving its integrity.
To learn more about the Yosemite BLA Project, including maps, support letters, and other background materials, visit the PFT website here: https://pacificforest.org/Yosemite-Anniversary-BLA.html
Media: Paul Mason, Vice President of Policy and Incentive, Pacific Forest Trust, is available for comment at pmason@pacificforest.org
Jessica Kahanek, Communications Director for Rep. Jim Costa, is also available for comment at Jessica.Kahanek@mail.house.gov
About the Pacific Forest Trust: Since 1993, the Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) has been dedicated to conserving and sustaining America’s vital, productive forest landscapes. Working with forest owners, communities and an array of partners, we advance innovative, incentive-based strategies to safeguard our nation’s diverse forests. In so doing, we’re ensuring forests continue to provide people everywhere — from rural communities to urban centers — with a wealth of benefits, including clean water, sustainably harvested wood, green jobs, wildlife habitat and a livable climate. The Pacific Forest Trust is headquartered in San Francisco, California. To learn more about PFT, please visit: www.PacificForest.org.