Assemblymember Dodd Resolution to Protect Berryessa Wilderness Passes Legislature

SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Bill Dodd’s resolution urging President Obama to create the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument passed the Senate on Monday and is on its way to the President’s desk. The establishment of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a national monument would help safeguard the area, enhance visitation, and provide an economic boost to the surrounding communities.

“The passage of this resolution sends a clear message to the President that the protection of this unique wilderness is important to both our region and our entire state,” said Dodd. “Preserving the region’s natural splendor for future generations is critical, and I want to thank all of those who have been working so hard towards that goal.”

Congressman Mike Thompson, along with a broad coalition of environmental and outdoor recreation groups, hundreds of local businesses and local governments have been working to conserve the area for a number of years. The region’s other legislative representatives – Senators Wolk and McGuire and Assemblymember Wood – also joined Assemblymember Dodd in supporting the resolution, which passed the legislature with bipartisan support.

“California contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in the entire country, and the Berryessa Snow Mountain region is one of those gems that needs to be protected,” said Sara Husby-Good, Executive Director of Tuleyome. “Assemblymember Dodd’s resolution marks the first time our state has formally urged the President to create a national monument, which is a powerful call for action.”

The Berryessa Snow Mountain region includes some 350,000 acres of existing public lands in close proximity to the Bay Area and Sacramento, making it easily accessible for millions of Californians. Each year tens of millions of Californians participate in outdoor recreation, supporting over 700,000 jobs. A study commissioned by the Winters Chamber of Commerce projects the national monument designation would result in $50 million of new economic activity for the region over five years. 

“The Senate’s vote to approve AJR 4 serves as yet another show of the widespread support that the Berryessa Snow Mountain Monument proposal has not just among regional stakeholders, but across the entire state. With local officials, the governor, and now the legislature behind him, President Obama should act quickly to designate the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.” said Congressman Mike Thompson.

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