[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 169 (Thursday, October 19, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6645-S6646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN:
  S. 1993. A bill to adjust the boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains 
National Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the Rim of 
the Valley Corridor Preservation Act. This legislation expands the 
boundary of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to 
provide surrounding communities much-needed additional access to nature 
while maintaining private property rights and existing local land use 
authorities.
  This bill adds an additional 191,000 acres, known as the Rim of the 
Valley Unit, to better protect natural resources and habitats, and 
provide members of the local community with improved recreational and 
educational opportunities.
  This proposed expansion comes at the recommendation of the National 
Park Service after a six-year special resource study of the area. The 
study was directed by Congress in the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study 
Act, passed in 2008. The National Park Service's recommendation takes 
into account over 2,000 comments received from the public, elected 
officials, local organizations, and other stakeholders.

[[Page S6646]]

  This legislation will significantly expand outdoor recreational 
opportunities for residents of Los Angeles County, one of the most 
densely populated and park-poor areas in California.
  In fact, 47% of Californians--that's six percent of the U.S. 
population--live within two hours of the proposed expansion area. 
Enlarging the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area will 
provide these communities with increased access to public lands and a 
boost to the local economy.
  The proposed expansion will also protect valuable habitat for 
endangered wildlife, such as the California red-legged frog. Other 
species protected include mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, badgers, 
coyotes, and deer.
  Notably, the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act would only 
allow the Department of the Interior to acquire non-Federal land within 
the new boundaries through exchange, donation, or purchase from willing 
sellers. This legislation will not create any additional liability or 
restrictions for private property owners.
  This bill enjoys the support of more than 50 local municipalities, 
community groups, and elected officials. It is the product of true 
public engagement in the legislative process.
  I would like to thank my colleague, Representative Adam Schiff, for 
introducing this legislation in the House.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass the Rim of the 
Valley Corridor Preservation Act.
  Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.
                                 ______