THOMPSON HOSTS INTERIOR SECRETARY JEWELL, USDA UNDER SECRETARY BONNIE ON VISIT TO BERRYESSA SNOW MOUNTAIN REGION

NAPA, CA – U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-5), joined by Congressman John Garamendi (CA-3), today hosted Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie on a visit to the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region. After a hiking tour of the region, Thompson held a public meeting to hear from constituents about Thompson's conservation proposals for the Berryessa Snow Mountain region and what it means to the local communities. At the public meeting, a panel consisting of ranching, recreation, conservation, academic and elected leaders spoke in support of protecting the region.

"Protecting the Berryessa Snow Mountain region will help boost tourism, grow the local economy, improve recreation opportunities and protect important species found nowhere else on earth," said Thompson. "That is why I've proposed legislation that would permanently safeguard this important region. However, Congress has refused to consider this bill. If Congress won't act, then I look forward to continuing to work with Secretary Jewell, Undersecretary Bonnie and the Obama Administration on plans to permanently protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a national monument."

As part of their visit, Thompson took Jewell, USDA officials and other state and local community members to portions of the proposed national conservation area within BLM's Cache Creek Wilderness. The 27,245-acre wilderness contains spectacular scenery, including steep canyons, scenic rivers, rolling oak woodlands and elaborate springtime wildflower displays.

"This is a beautiful area with cultural history and great opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing so it's no surprise that the community wants to make sure that it is protected and passed on to the next generation," said Jewell. "Today's opportunity to get out and see the public lands and to hear directly from the local and tribal communities about their vision for conservation and land management is important. I want to underscore our support of Congressman Thompson's efforts to recognize this region as a National Conservation Area, which could also lead to additional economic benefits to the region."

"We are supportive of Congressman Thompson's effort to solicit public comment on his proposal," said Bonnie. "The Forest Service also met with tribal leaders to discuss the proposal earlier this month. There appears to be significant public support for this proposal and we look forward to working with all interested parties as this process continues."

"The Berryessa Snow Mountain Region is a natural treasure at the heart of the 3^rd District. This region's rugged beauty helps sustain outdoor recreation businesses, serves as a valuable source of water, and provides critical habitats for our wildlife," Garamendi said. "It was vitally important to hear from our friends and neighbors in the community on how we can best preserve Berryessa Snow Mountain now and into the future. I look forward to translating these ideas into sound public policy."

Jewell, Bonnie and U.S. Forest Service Chief (USFS) Tom Tidewell visited California at the invitation of Thompson who, since 2012, has introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would designate the 350,000 acre Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area (NCA).

Under an NCA designation, the region would be permanently protected, ensuring continued recreational opportunities while safeguarding the region's wildlife, rare plants, and waters – which include important sources of drinking water and irrigation for nearby communities. U.S. Senator Boxer (D-CA) has introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain region stretches nearly one hundred miles from the shores of Lake Berryessa to the peak of Snow Mountain. It encompasses more than 350,000 acres across Napa, Mendocino, Lake, Solano and Yolo Counties. The area is rich in biodiversity, including bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, and rare plants found nowhere else on Earth. The area provides habitat to so many kinds of plants and animals that it has been named a biodiversity hotspot.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain region also includes numerous trails, open spaces, lakes and rivers. These resources provide recreation opportunities for hikers, bikers, hunters, campers, off-highway vehicle users, and both motorized and non-motorized boaters.

Safeguarding the Berryessa Snow Mountain region would also provide the surrounding communities with economic benefits. Recent studies have shown that local economies surrounding national monuments expanded following the creation of a new national monument. Employment, personal income, and per capita income either continued or improved in each of the regions surrounding the national monuments studied. In California alone, more than half of all residents participate in outdoor recreation each year, supporting more than 700,000 jobs and generating more than $6 billion for our state's economy.

More than 100 businesses in areas surrounding the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region support a national monument designation, as do many nationally recognized recreation and sportsmen groups such as the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Back Country Horsemen, the Equine Land Conservation Resource and the Blue Ribbon Coalition.

Additionally, all five counties within the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region have endorsed permanent protection for the area.

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5^th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Rep. Thompson is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and chairs the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus.

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