Photo Credit: Native Fish Society
Congressman Huffman has released a draft bill that would help protect 326,000 acres of federal public lands as “wilderness” by expanding nine existing wilderness areas and establishing ten new ones and would designate 485 miles of streams and rivers as “wild and scenic rivers.” View a map with the new proposed wilderness areas below.
But this is more than a typical wilderness legislation. It is a start at rethinking the way we interact with public land in Northern California. In addition to land protections, the legislation promotes sane forest management that will help restore fire to the landscape while protecting rural communities through the development of “shaded fuel breaks” around communities. It is would also help to promote our local recreation economy—the number one source of forest jobs—by creating a regional trail program. This legislation will help to move us out of the old false dichotomy of “trees vs. jobs.” You can read the bill in its entirety by clicking here.
Sounds good, right? There are two ways that you can help:
1. Show Your Support in Person at Upcoming Public Meetings with Congressman Huffman! Starting next week, Congressman Huffman will host several public meetings to discuss his proposal for Northwest California’s public lands. This is a fantastic opportunity to thank Congressman Huffman for his leadership in working to protect these special lands and waters for generations to come. Can we count on you to attend a public meeting and speak up for Northwest California’s unique public lands? Please RSVP by clicking the County links below and share with your friends! It is important that we bring out strong environmental voices to this meeting, as Big Timber will likely fight this legislation.Humboldt CountyAugust 14th5:30-6:30 pmWharfinger, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501Del Norte CountyAugust 15th5:30-6:30pmDel Norte Educational Resource Center, 400 West Harding, Crescent City, CA 95531Trinity CountyAugust 16th5:30-6:30pmTrinity High School, 321 Victory Lane, Weaverville, CA 96093Mendocino CountyAugust 29th1:30-2:30pmCity of Ukiah Civic Center, 300 Seminary Ave, Ukiah, CA 95482
2. Say Thanks! Congressman Huffman has been developing this wilderness legislation for over a year, meeting with countless groups, local businesses, tribes, and individuals to gather ideas. His hard work has paid off. Click here to send an email to Congressman Huffman thanking him for working to protect Northwest California’s special places, encouraging him to introduce legislation, and letting him know you love the region and want to see it protected now for future generations.
Comentarios