U.S. Senate Approves Bill to Protect
Santa Rosa/San Jacinto Mountains
October 6, 2000

Washington, DC – The U.S. Senate last night approved legislation sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) to designate the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto mountain range in Southern California as a National Monument.

The bill was authored in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Mary Bono (R-Palm Springs) and now awaits approval by President Clinton.

“The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains contain magnificent vistas, unique wildlife and a picturesque backdrop that will now be protected and preserved for generations to come,” Senator Feinstein said. “I am delighted that Congress was finally able to pass this important piece of legislation on which Congresswoman Bono and I have worked so hard.

The bill designates 400 square miles of the Santa Rosa/San Jacinto range as a national monument and instructs the Department of Interior and the Forest Service to craft a plan to manage all public lands in the range.

National monument status limits development and agriculture on protected lands. It is the second highest level of protection Congress can provide public lands. The designation does not apply to privately-owned lands.

Based on the legislation, a community advisory committee will be created to advise the Department of Interior and the Forest service about community concerns.