Jerry Lewis: “the outdoor experience in the desert is a far cry from taking a walk through a wilderness area along a scenic trail or a…”

“the outdoor experience in the desert is a far cry from taking a walk through a wilderness area along a scenic trail or a mountain stream. The desert environment is often very unforgiving. Indeed, it can be deadly without an adequate water source and transportation. It is very important for the Members to know that those involved in the desert will find their access almost entirely cut off unless this amendment is adopted. Just take rock collecting, for example. H.R. 518 as it now stands, the best rock collecting areas that are usually in the mountains will be miles from the nearest road. Many rock collectors, including older Americans, constituents of mine who live in the desert, will be unable to have access they need if they need to walk additional distances to pursue that hobby. This also holds true for the most scenic hiking, camping and picnicking areas in the desert. Mr. Chairman, one of the most popular hiking areas known as the Cady Mountains will be off limits without the passage of this amendment. The interior of this wilderness area is 6 miles from the nearest road each way. Is the average senior citizen or disabled person going to be able to traverse some way those 6 miles? Exploring many of California's historic trails and ghost towns will be no longer possible without this amendment.”