SCC Public Comment on Dept. of Interior Review of National Monuments

The Department of the Interior is currently reviewing the status of 27 national monuments and has solicited public comments as part of this process.  The State Coastal Conservancy has issued the statement below, encouraging Secretary Zinke to leave these protected public lands intact.  Learn more about the review and leave a comment of your own here: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0001 

Secretary Zinke,

On behalf of the California State Coastal Conservancy, the agency charged with protection and restoration of California’s coastline and coastal watersheds, I urge you to leave the 27 national monuments currently under review intact. These monuments are of great cultural and ecological significance, and they are public lands treasured by millions of Americans.

In California, the San Gabriel Mountains are vital to the quality of life of Los Angeles residents. These soaring mountains are a space to hike, play, ski and camp. They comprise 70% of the open space available to Angelenos and supply 30% of the city’s drinking water. They are also one of the only substantial natural spaces available to many of the urban, diverse and historically underserved communities in Los Angeles.

Berryessa Snow Mountain is the headwaters of the Eel River, California’s third largest river system, and an important salmon and steelhead trout watershed enjoyed by many for recreation and fishing.

America’s public lands are national treasure and should be protected as such. I ask that you consider the many benefits these monuments deliver to their local communities, to fragile ecosystems and to the fabric of our great country in your review.

Sincerely,
Sam Schuchat
Executive Officer
California State Coastal Conservancy
scc.ca.gov