Senate Approves Interior Bill that Includes $2.4 Million to Protect Sequoia Forests from Devastating Fires
July 18, 2000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate today approved the Interior Appropriations bill that includes $2.4 million for fuel reduction activities in the Sequoia National Monument and directs the U.S. forest service to give local companies priority to complete work under the Sequoia provision. The bill also includes $120 million in emergency funds to address the dangerous build-up of forest fuels on forest service lands, including the Tahoe, Quincy and other Sierra Nevada forests.

“California’s forests and lakes continue to be threatened by environmental degradation and natural disasters,” Senator Feinstein said. “This funding represents an important step in managing California’s forests and protecting them from a potentially devastating forest fire.”

“Additionally, I remain concerned about the area residents who will be harmed by the designation of the Sequoia forest as a National Monument,” Senator Feinstein continued. “By giving local workers priority for forest service contracts, this bill will protect workers and save jobs.”

In addition, the Senate approved the following provisions that will benefit California’s natural resources:

• $10.5 million for projects in Lake Tahoe
• $9 million of funding for the Quincy Library Group Project
• $4.2 million for a visitors center at Manzanar
• $1.25 for projects in the Santa Monica Mountains
• $750,000 for Otay Mountain/Kuchamaa Habitat Conservation Plan
• $2 million to restore Potrero Creek in Riverside County
• $1 million for Southern California and Central Valley Habitat Conservation Plan
• $2 million of funding for the Pacific Crest Trail

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) requested this funding and these provisions as part of her role as a member of the Senate appropriations Committee. The bill passed the Senate by a margin of 97-2.