California Desert Conservation & Recreation Act -Support -Sen. Feinstein 5.4.15

May 4, 2015

Senator Dianne Feinstein
United States Senate
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Feinstein:

I am writing today to express Inland Action’s support for the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act of 2015. Inland Action is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that focuses on the economic well-being of the Inland Empire regions of southern California. Like your landmark CDPA of 1994, this bill will make huge strides in protecting the irreplaceable scenic, ecological and recreational values that make the California desert such a special place. The legislation encompasses unique, undeveloped, ecologically and geologically significant, culturally important, and scenic areas of public land in the California desert. In addition to designating two national monuments, new wilderness areas and over 80 miles of wild and scenic rivers, the bill will also congressionally designate four off-highway vehicle open areas as national recreation areas as well as ensure that many important off-road routes remain open. This is unprecedented for a wilderness bill, and I applaud you for striking a balance between the environmental and recreational communities.

We support this comprehensive bill because it recognizes the importance of conservation and energy commitments, outlines recreational uses—including off-highway vehicle use, provides for thorough management strategies in land preservation, and benefits our region.

Thank you for your leadership and continued efforts toward preserving this magnificent landscape and the recreation and environmental opportunities that it offers.

Sincerely,
Carole Beswick, CEO