*For Immediate Release*

Contact: Sara Husby, sdhusby@tuleyome.org 773-491-9716

New National Monument for Northern California

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA - President Obama has declared the Berryessa Snow Mountain National

Monument in response to strong local support.

President Obama used his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate three new national

monuments including the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, Basin and Range National

Monument, and Waco Mammoth Site National Monument.

As a local business owner, I am thrilled to see President Obama take action to protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, said John Pickerel, owner of Buckhorn Steakhouse in Winters and Napa. It will help our local economy and give local businesses more opportunities to thrive. Protecting these lands safeguards the regions natural resources and wildlife habitat and will enhance recreational opportunities for everyone. It will encourage tourism particularly along scenic Highway 128 from

Winters to Napa and create a desirable place for people to live and work.

Local citizens, business owners, land owners, elected officials, and a variety of conservation and

recreation groups have called on President Obama to permanently protect the 100-mile stretch of federal

lands- from Berryessa Peak to Snow Mountain-to safeguard the areas water, wildlife habitat, and

recreational resources. The remarkable plate tectonic geology, biological diversity, and Native American

cultural history make this a special place under the Antiquities Act.

"The designation of this unique area as a national monument will help preserve the region's natural

splendor for future generations, said California State Assemblymember, Bill Dodd. The national

monument will provide continued recreational opportunities and will bring enhanced visitation. This is a

great example of how we can protect our environment and support our local economy."

These efforts were championed by Congressmen Mike Thompson, John Garamendi, Jared Huffman, and

Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein. Efforts to permanently protect the Berryessa Snow

Mountain region through a Congressional designation have been made since 2012.

The new national monument includes parts of Yolo, Solano, Napa, Lake, Mendocino, Glenn, and Colusa

Counties. The designation only pertains to existing federal public lands, and will not affect any private

properties, or existing water rights.

As a farmer, my livelihood depends on land and water, said local walnut farmer, Craig McNamara.

Without either, Im out of business, which is why it is especially important to me to do all I can to

conserve. Healthy landscapes and clean water is part of what makes Northern California such a special

place to live and work, which is why I support the new Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Outdoors and wildlife groups are also applauding the Berryessa Snow Mountain designation, saying it

will allow future generations to enjoy its spectacular hiking trails, whitewater rafting, mountain biking,

horseback riding, hunting and fishing, legal OHV use, and many other recreational uses.

We are ecstatic that President Obama has recognized the importance of protecting these special lands,

said Sara Husby, Executive Director for Tuleyome - the regional conservation organization that

spearheaded the protection efforts. Together with our congressional champions and the many, many

supporters of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region we got this done. I am overjoyed.

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For more information about the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, visit

www.berryessasnowmountain.org