We need miners and other public lands users to attend this event!
Congress does not agree that another million acres in southern California deserves to be set aside in the form of more National Monuments, and Senator Diane Feinstein (D-CA) is not happy about it.
Feinstein introduced SB 414 earlier this year, the California Desert Conservation and Recreation Act (CDRCA). Other members of Congress aren’t backing her plan to place additional limits on mining and recreation and have refused to support the CDRCA at this point, so on August 3, Feinstein wrote a letter to President Obama requesting he bypass Congress and used the Antiquities Act to lock up the additional lands.
Feinstein is requesting the creation of three new National Monuments: the Mojave Trails National Monument between Joshua Tree and Mojave National Preserve; the Sand to Snow National Monument around Mt. San Gorgonio; and the Castle Mountains National Monument.
Representative Paul Cook (R-San Bernardino) represents areas that would be impacted by such a designation, including much of San Bernardino County and portions of Kern County. His constituents are largely against the CDRCA and he’s angry that Feinstein is trying to take opportunities away from them without a vote.
“This is not the balanced approach we need for our desert. While far from perfect, Congress is designed to reflect the preferences of the people, much more so than unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats working for the President,” said Cook.
Feinstein has invited over a dozen local, state and federal officials who have expressed their support for her proposed land grab. President Obama was also invited but it is unclear at this juncture if he will be attending. The Campaign for the California Desert is coordinating busing in supporters from Claremont, El Monte, San Bernardino, Victorville, and Yucca Valley to make it appear there is overwhelming support for Feinstein’s proposal.
Please, if you have the time, attend this event and let your voice be heard. Get there early, sign in and get your three minutes of allotted speaking time. Casual business attire is recommended so you are not singled out and excluded from the opportunity to speak.
Jim and Sue from the American Prospector Treasure Seeker in Temecula checked out the venue for us and reported that it’s a small facility with only three handicap parking spots and 46 regular parking spaces, though additional parking will be allowed on the entrance road for this event only. The gates will open at 8:00am, so get there as early as you possibly can. Cell phone service is spotty, and there is a picnic area available to have your lunch.
If you need more information, contact Bill Jensen, legislative adviser, Minerals and Mining Advisory Council (MMAC), at 760 646-6416.