[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 135 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




THE SACRAMENTO RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ESTABLISHMENT ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. WALLY HERGER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2006

  Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Sacramento River 
National Recreation Area Establishment Act of 2006.
  This bill was drafted with the direct input and involvement of 
locally elected leaders in Tehama County, California. It is the product 
of a citizen-led initiative. Written exchanges, phone calls, meetings, 
and an on-site visit were all part of the process that has led up to 
today.
  On two separate occasions the Tehama County Board of Supervisors 
endorsed the concept of creating a National Recreation Area at the 
Sacramento River Bend, including, most recently, a unanimous 
endorsement of this specific legislation, which was passed on December 
6, 2006. The Shasta County Board of Supervisors and the City of 
Redding, California both have formally expressed support for the 
creation of a recreation area at the Bend Area. Various constituents 
and organizations have done so as well.
  Local officials expressed support for a national designation that 
focused on recreation and respected the nearby communities' goals and 
priorities. They wanted a designation to build on existing popular 
outdoors opportunities, such as horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and 
hiking. They wanted management of the land to attract tourists to the 
area in order to help the local economy. And they wanted to make sure 
that neighboring landowners and land uses were protected in the 
process. It was argued that a national designation for the Bend Area 
should be a ``win-win'' for everyone in the community. Mr. Speaker, I'm 
pleased to say that this legislation accomplishes this important 
priority.
  In carrying out the wishes of local officials, the Sacramento River 
National Recreation Area Establishment Act of 2006 focuses on three 
important local priorities: recreation, community involvement, and 
landowner protection.
  The bill directs the BLM to manage the Bend Area in a manner that 
encourages and promotes public recreation. The bill lists, at a 
minimum, sixteen separate recreational activities that are to occur and 
be enhanced for public enjoyment of the recreation area and, in turn, 
help create new economic opportunities for local businesses. Specific 
language is also included to ensure that this popular destination point 
for deer, wild turkey, dove, and pheasant hunting, and trophy-sized 
rainbow trout and salmon fishing remain open and accessible to the 
public.
  The bill also authorizes the Secretary to develop recreation related 
facilities, such as new trails, restrooms, parking areas, and 
campgrounds, all of which will help make experiencing the Bend Area 
more enjoyable for Northstate families. Additionally, the bill clearly 
states that no fees for same-day use or access to the recreation area 
may be charged by the BLM unless significant recreation services are 
provided. This provision will help the public access the Bend Area free 
of charge for activities like an afternoon hike or bike ride. Any 
modest fees that could be charged at the Bend Area would be developed 
in consultation with the public and proceeds would be reinvested in 
local recreation and safety facilities.

  Local involvement and participation is also required in the bill. The 
legislation would establish an ``Advisory Council'' to ensure that the 
ideas and concerns of local citizens are incorporated into a management 
plan for the area. The Advisory Council would be appointed by locally 
elected officials, and would consist of concerned citizens representing 
diverse backgrounds and viewpoints. And to ensure that everyone in the 
community has a chance to participate in the drafting of the management 
plan for the Bend Area, each meeting of the Advisory Council will be 
open to public observation and involvement. This important provision 
will ensure transparency without the unnecessary paperwork burdens and 
expense associated with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, this bill protects private property rights. 
Local officials carefully drew the recreation area boundaries so as not 
to include private land. In addition, language was developed to ensure 
that landowners adjacent to the new recreation area are guaranteed full 
access to their property, and that efforts to improve or enhance such 
access are not limited in any way by this legislation. Existing water 
rights holders are also protected under this bill, as it plainly denies 
authority to the federal government to acquire water rights to further 
the purposes and needs of the recreation area. Lastly, livestock 
grazing, which is very important to the area I represent, is protected 
in this bill. Local officials supporting the legislation were clear: 
the right to continue to graze cattle in this area needs to be 
preserved.
  Mr. Speaker, it has been a great pleasure for me to work with local 
officials and concerned citizens to develop this legislation. But our 
work is not over. In my view, you can never have too much local 
participation. Initiatives like this one succeed not because they were 
created in Congress or by national interest groups. They succeed 
because they are the product of an on-the-ground effort, led by those 
who live near and are the most familiar with this special area. I look 
forward to continuing to work with my constituents who have been 
involved in this legislation to this point, and urge anyone else with 
an interest to participate to do so.
  This legislation is introduced in the spirit of local involvement and 
cooperation. It has been carefully written based on local needs and is 
worthy of the consideration and support of my colleagues in the House.

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