Barbara Boxer: “history books written about California always comment on the natural beauty of the State because our natural treasures…”

“history books written about California always comment on the natural beauty of the State because our natural treasures have always been one of the things that makes California unique. But that beauty must not be taken for granted. That is why I am introducing the California Wild Heritage Act of 2002, the first statewide wilderness bill for California since 1984. This legislation will protect more than 2.5 million acres of public lands in 81 different areas, as well as the free-flowing portions of 22 rivers. Every acre of wild land is treasure. But the areas protected in this bill are some of California's most precious, including: the old growth redwood forest near the Trinity Alps in Trinity and Humboldt Counties; 35 miles of pristine coastline in the King Range in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties; the Nation's sixth highest waterfall, Feather Falls, in Butte County; the ancient Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains in Inyo and Mono Counties; and the oak woodlands in the San Diego River area. The bill protects these treasures by designating these public lands as ``wilderness'' and by naming 22 rivers, including the Clavey in Tuolumne County, as ``wild and scenic'' rivers. These destinations mean no new logging, no new dams, no new construction, no new mining, no new drilling, and no motorized vehicles. Protection of the areas in this bill is necessary to ensure that these previous places will be there for future generations.”