[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6552-S6553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER (for herself and Mrs. Feinstein):
  S. 3587. A bill to include the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands in 
the California Coastal National Monument as a part of the National 
Landscape Conservation System, and for other purposes; to the Committee 
on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the California 
Coastal National Monument Expansion Act. Congressman Mike Thompson 
recently introduced companion legislation to this bill in the House of 
Representatives, and I thank him for all of the work he has done on 
advancing this initiative. I would also like to thank Senator Dianne 
Feinstein for joining me as an original co-sponsor of this legislation.
  The California Coastal National Monument, created by President 
Clinton in 2000, stretches over 1,100 miles off California's coast and 
protects more than 20,000 small islands, rocks, exposed reefs, and 
islands between Mexico and Oregon. My bill would incorporate 1,225 
acres of the Stornetta Public Lands and other public lands near the 
city of Point Arena in Mendocino County into the existing National 
Monument, creating the Monument's first onshore additions. By expanding 
the National Monument to include the ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public 
Lands,'' my bill not only preserves the area for future generations, 
but also helps create a more cohesive bridge between the offshore 
resources and onshore public lands. Visitors will have contiguous 
public access to the current National Monument, the proposed expansion

[[Page S6553]]

area, the adjacent Manchester Beach State Park, and the historic Point 
Arena Lighthouse.
  It is crucial that steps be taken to ensure the permanent 
preservation of this naturally diverse segment of the California Coast, 
which encompasses over two miles of coastline with natural bridges, 
tide pools, waterfalls, sinkholes and blowholes, and portions of the 
Garcia River and surrounding estuary. The area is not only recognized 
for its breathtaking coastal formations, but also for outstanding 
natural resources that include extensive wetlands, rumpled sand dunes, 
and rolling meadows. Adding these lands to the National Monument will 
provide additional resources for more effective management and 
conservation program opportunities.
  The ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' is also home to a diverse 
ecosystem. The Garcia River is crucial habitat for Coho and Chinook 
salmon habitat, as well as a prime birding location for multiple bird 
species including the Laysan Albatross, Peregrine Falcon, Great Blue 
Heron, and many others. These lands are also the targets of restoration 
efforts that would help protect local endangered wildlife such as the 
Point Arena Mountain Beaver, Behren's Silverspot Butterfly, and other 
species of concern, like the Black Oyster Catcher.
  In Mendocino County, tourism is responsible for supporting almost 
5,000 jobs, with visitors bringing in $19 million annually in state and 
local taxes. Visitors come from all over the world to experience the 
beauty and natural wonders of California's northern coast, and local 
businesses and nearby towns will benefit from the increased profile of 
a National Monument designation. A National Monument designation will 
bring increased awareness to the recreational opportunities available 
in the area, including hiking, fishing, bird watching, nature 
photography and wildlife watching. This designation could also attract 
increased resources to support the needs of the area.
  It is no wonder that the ``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' are 
often referred to as the most significant parts of the Mendocino 
coastline. These magnificent lands have tremendous natural and 
recreational value, and it is imperative for them to be included as 
part of the California Coastal National Monument. I look forward to 
working with my colleagues to pass this important legislation. The 
``Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands'' deserves National Monument 
recognition, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
effort.
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