Senate Approves Feinstein Legislation to Study Expansion of Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area
November 20, 2002
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Washington, DC - The U.S. Senate last night approved legislation sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to explore the possibility of adding the Rim of the Valley Corridor in Southern California to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

"Park and recreational lands provide people with a vital refuge from urban life while preserving valuable land and habitat," Senator Feinstein said. "The Rim of the Valley Corridor is home to many important environmental, recreational, and economic assets. I am pleased to introduce this legislation, which begins the process of preserving these resources for the people of Southern California. If approved, the bill would serve as the first step toward placing the Rim of the Valley Corridor under the protection of the National Park Service."

Specifically, the Rim of the Valley Corridor Study Act instructs the Secretary of the Interior to investigate the feasibility of expanding the borders of the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area to include the Rim of the Valley Corridor, which consists of parts of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susanna Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, Verdugo Mountains, San Rafael Hills, Arroyo Seco, and connector areas to the Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests.

Furthermore, the bill creates a 24-member committee to consult with and advise the Secretary of the Interior throughout the course of the study. The Secretary of the Interior will appoint members to the committee based on nominations made by communities located within the Rim of the Valley Corridor area, the Superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, and the Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest.

Representatives Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Buck McKeon (R-Calif.), Howard Berman (D-Calif.), Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), Elton Gallegly (R-Calif.), Hilda Solis (D-Calif.), David Dreier (R-Calif.), George Miller (D-Calif.) and Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) introduced companion legislation in the House on August 8, 2001.

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