[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 126 (Wednesday, August 5, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Page S6388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. BOXER (for herself and Mrs. Feinstein):
  S. 1971. A bill to expand the boundary of the California Coastal 
National Monument, 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, legislation that would expand 
the current Monument to include about 6,200 acres of pristine public 
lands across four California counties. I am proud to be joined in this 
effort by my friend from California, Senator Dianne Feinstein.
  In 2000, President Clinton made history when he designated the 
California Coastal National Monument, which stretches the entire 1,100 
miles of California's coastline and protects more than 20,000 small 
islands, rocks, exposed reefs and islands between Mexico and Oregon. It 
also protects the habitat for a variety of wildlife including seabirds, 
California sea lions and southern sea otters.
  In 2012, I introduced legislation with Senator Feinstein and 
Congressman Mike Thompson to expand the Monument to include the Point 
Arena-Stornetta Public Lands in Mendocino County. We were grateful when 
President Obama took action last year to add these spectacular lands as 
the first onshore addition to the monument.
  The legislation we are introducing today would expand the California 
Coastal National Monument again to include five more onshore sites, 
creating a new network of federal coastal properties for the public to 
enjoy. By highlighting these sites, the measure would also boost 
tourism and the economy of communities up and down the coast.
  Each one of these new areas is unique, with its own rugged landscape, 
its own majestic views of the Pacific Ocean and its own history. Each 
piece tells us part of the fascinating story of the development of 
California and our Nation.
  In Humboldt County, one of my State's northern most counties, this 
legislation would protect Trinidad Head--13 acres of rocky shoreline 
which offers visitors breathtaking views of offshore sea stacks and the 
City of Trinidad, the oldest town on the northern California coast. The 
land is also home to the historic Trinidad Head lighthouse, which dates 
back to 1871 when it helped guide vessels carrying lumber up and down 
the Redwood Coast.
  The Lost Coast Headlands in Humboldt County would also be included, 
providing visitors access to 440 acres of some of the most spectacular 
scenery in northern California. From alpine forests and rolling 
mountains to coastal bluffs south of the mouth of the Eel River, this 
area offers a little something for every outdoor enthusiast, whether it 
is hiking, bird watching or beachcombing. These lands also played an 
important role during the Cold War when the U.S. Navy opened a post 
there to monitor Soviet submarines.
  The Monument would be expanded to encompass Lighthouse Ranch, about 
11 miles south of Eureka, which sits on eight acres of a former U.S. 
Coast Guard station once used as a Christian commune. Today, it offers 
breathtaking, panoramic views of the Eel River Delta, Humboldt Bay and 
the Pacific Ocean.
  Drive about 350 miles south of Humboldt County to Santa Cruz County 
and you will discover the Cotoni-Coast Dairies--5,780 acres of former 
dairy and cement plant lands. Its name is a nod to the Cotoni Indians, 
who lived there for thousands of years, and the Swiss dairy farmers who 
ran the land as a farm and ranch for much of the 20th century. The 
area, which would also be included in the Monument, draws in visitors 
with its redwoods, coastal grasslands, foothills and watersheds that 
flow directly into the northern Monterrey Bay.
  The bill would also preserve Piedras Blancas--20 acres with 425 
state-owned acres cooperatively managed by the Bureau of Land 
Management, BLM, in Big Sur. Named for three white rocks just off the 
end of the point, the area is well-known for its historic 19th century 
lighthouse and is also an important ecological research area. Tourists 
come to catch a glimpse of a beautiful landscape untouched by 
development and see wildlife like Elephant Seals, sea lions and sea 
birds.
  Additionally our legislation would protect one offshore site--a group 
of small rocks and islands off the coast of Orange County. Back in the 
1930s, the Coast Guard considered using these properties for 
lighthouses, but the agency now agrees they should be permanently 
protected as part of the National Monument. Under this bill, these 
amazing rocks and islands will remain a pristine part of California's 
natural heritage.
  These are some of the most magnificent lands in the country, and we 
have a responsibility to protect them for current and future 
generations. That is why expanding the California Coastal National 
Monument is so critical.
  The new designation would permanently protect each site from 
development and would ensure stronger protections for a diverse array 
of wildlife that call the area home, many of which are endangered. It 
would also help restore habitats and protect water quality by placing 
these properties under one management plan to allow for better 
coordination of available resources.
  Expanding the Monument is not just good for our conservation 
efforts--it is also good for the economy. Each of these natural 
treasures showcases the breathtaking coastlines and recreational 
opportunities that draw visitors from California and across the world.
  Listen to the numbers from these three California counties: In 
Humboldt County, tourism is responsible for more than $330 million 
every year. In Santa Cruz County, tourism brings in more than $700 
million every year and is one of the county's top industries. Tourism 
in San Luis Obispo County produces more than $1 billion annually and is 
also the county's largest industry, supporting 15,570 jobs in 2011.
  Designating these sites as part of the National Monument will not 
only generate more economic activity, it will help attract increased 
resources to support the needs of the area, including additional 
conservation programs.
  The expansion of this National Monument has strong support from a 
large coalition of local governments, elected officials, business 
owners, landowners, farmers, private individuals, and many conservation 
and outdoor industry groups. This impressive grassroots effort shows 
how deeply our citizens care about the future of these public lands, 
and I am proud to support their hard work and commitment.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill to expand the California 
Coastal National Monument and help protect these spectacular lands for 
generations to come.
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