Senator Boxer Testifies Before Senate Energy Committee on Bipartisan Sequoia Kings-Canyon National Park Wilderness Bill

June 17, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today testified before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on National Parks on the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act, legislation she introduced to protect nearly 115,000 acres of pristine public land within the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park as wilderness. The bill is cosponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).

Sequoias at Sequoia National Park, California: Photo by Phil (CC)

Senator Boxer told the Committee, “This bipartisan, bicameral effort will protect almost 115,000 acres of spectacular High Sierra lands within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, including majestic granite peaks, deep canyons, extensive caverns and awe-inspiring Sequoia groves.

“This bill is sponsored in the House by Representatives Jim Costa and Devin Nunes—a Democrat and a Republican. I am so proud to have worked in close partnership with these members of Congress over the last year and a half to get this bill negotiated, drafted and moved. Indeed, just last Monday, this bill passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote.”

Nearly 70,000 acres of this proposed wilderness area would be named after John Krebs, a former Fresno County Supervisor and U.S. Congressman, who successfully fought to keep Mineral King Valley undeveloped by transferring the land into the National Park.

Boxer testified, “Naming the new wilderness area created by this proposal after former Congressman Krebs, now 82 years old, is an overdue and fitting tribute to a great conservationist and legislator. John deserves our gratitude for preserving the pristine natural beauty of the Park that we enjoy today.”

The Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act designates these acres as “wilderness” — the highest level of protection for public land in American law. The proposed wilderness areas include the Redwood Mountain Grove, the largest Giant Sequoia grove within the Park. It also includes California’s longest cave and the Old Hockett Trail, one of the first cross-Sierra routes in the southern Sierra Nevada range. The land is home to many wild animals, including the California Spotted Owl and the Golden Eagle.

Boxer testified, “These areas, much loved by Californians and Americans from all over the country, will remain open to the public for recreational activities such as camping, hiking, and horseback riding so future generations can enjoy them just as we have.

“My legislation will ensure that these beautiful areas will be sustained and preserved as part of California’s identity and rich, natural heritage.”

The Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act was developed in consultation with local communities, elected officials, recreation organizations, businesses, federal and state agencies and local property owners. The House version of the bill passed the House of Representatives on Monday, June 9, 2008 by a voice vote.

Source: Senator Barbara Boxer