Assemblymember Dodd Introduces Resolution to Protect Berryessa Wilderness

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Bill Dodd (D-Napa) introduced a resolution today petitioning President Obama to create the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. The establishment of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument would help safeguard the area that stretches from the shores of Lake Berryessa in Napa County to the flanks of Snow Mountain, and includes portions of Lake, Mendocino, Solano, and Yolo Counties.

“The designation of this unique area as a national monument will help preserve the region’s natural splendor for future generations. The national monument will provide continued recreational opportunities and will bring enhanced visitation,” said Dodd. “This is a great example of how we can protect our environment and support our local economy.”

Assemblymember Dodd was joined in supporting the national monument by the region’s other legislative representatives – Senators Lois Wolk and Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Jim Wood – all of whom are principal co-authors of the Assembly joint resolution, AJR 4.

“I want to recognize Congressman Mike Thompson and the broad coalition of environmental and outdoor recreation groups, hundreds of local businesses, and local governments that have been working diligently to support the national monument designation,” Dodd said.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain area includes some 350,000 acres of existing public lands and is a rich in wildlife, providing habitat for bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, river otters and the rare Pacific fisher. The area’s proximity to the Bay Area and Sacramento makes it an outdoor recreation destination easily accessible to millions of Californians. Each year tens of millions of Californians participate in outdoor recreation, supporting over 700,000 jobs and creating more than $6 billion in economic activity. Studies have shown that local economies expand around newly created national monuments.

Assemblymember Bill Dodd represents the 4th Assembly District, which includes all or portions of Yolo, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Solano, and Colusa Counties.

CONTACT: Ezrah Chaaban, (916) 319-2004