[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 12 (Thursday, February 10, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Pages S613-S614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mrs. Boxer):
  S. 2051. A bill to revise the boundaries of the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and 
Natural Resources.


  the golden gate national recreation area boundary adjustment act of 
                                  2000

  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce this 
legislation to permit the National Park Service to expand the 
boundaries of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) by 
acquiring critical natural landscapes and scenic vistas. This includes 
land in San Mateo County, as well as land in San Francisco and Marin 
County.
  A key component of this legislation is that about half of the total 
cost of purchasing these lands will be donated by the local community. 
This legislation specifically provides that all land transactions 
involve a willing seller and willing buyer.
  In introducing this bill, I am joined by my esteemed colleague from 
California, Senator Barbara Boxer. This bill also has the bipartisan 
support of the entire Bay Area Congressional Delegation including 
original co-sponsors in the House, Representatives Tom Lantos, Nancy 
Pelosi, and Lynn Woolsey.
  Furthermore, this bill also has the strong support of local 
environmental and advocacy and preservation groups, the Point Reyes 
National Seashore Advisory Commission, and the National Park Service. I 
know of no opposition to this bill.
  The three Marin County properties lie in the Marin headlands. 
Preservation of these lands will protect habitat, ridge-top trails and 
scenic views of San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
  The San Francisco land along the pacific coastline, the city of San 
Francisco would like to donate to the federal government and has 
authorized $100,000 for the restoration of this site.
  The legislation also proposes to include land near Labos Creek, 
adjacent to the Presido-West Gate, which was damaged during a severe 
storm in 1997. The American Land Conservancy intends to acquire this 
land and donate it to the National Park Service. Lobos Creek is the key 
source of the Presidio's water supply and a unique ecological resource.
  Together, these parcels offer beautiful vistas, sweeping coastal 
views and spectacular headland scenery and the preservation of unique 
bayland ecosystems with added public access. Much of this land also 
protects the

[[Page S614]]

habitat of several species of rare or endangered plants and animals. 
Several of the vegetation communities is home to at least 18 endangered 
or threatened species including the winter-run chinook salmon, American 
peregrine falcon, the mission blue butterfly and the southwestern pond 
turtle.
  I urge my colleagues to support passage of the Golden Gate National 
Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act.
                                 ______