President Obama Expands California Coastal Monument

Conservationists Applaud Presidential Leadership to Protect Beautiful Places

Environment California

Washington –President Barack Obama has expanded the California Coastal National Monument, permanently protecting California’s Stornetta Public Lands. The monument expansion will save over 1,600 acres of beach, wetlands, dunes, and waterways along northern California’s scenic coastline. Local and statewide environmental groups applauded the president for his commitment to conservation.

“As part of the community of Point Arena and the Mendocino Coast, we are proud to support national investment in the Stornetta Public Lands,” said Ty Moore, Executive Director for Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc. “The many visitors to the area are a statement-in-action of Stornetta’s value as a coastal access point.”

“The greatest satisfaction a non-profit organization can enjoy is to experience the success of a local movement by its community,” added Joleen Ossello, President of the Mendocino Coast Audubon Society. “We thank our dedicated community members, our local government representatives, Secretary Jewell, and President Obama for this monumental preservation achievement.”

Congressman Jared Huffman and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell played key roles in securing today’s monument proclamation. Huffman championed has legislation to protect Stornetta, while Secretary Jewell’s fall visit to Stornetta, hosted by Congressman Huffman, drew over 500 enthusiastic supporters. Congressman Mike Thompson, Senator Barbara Boxer, and Senator Dianne Feinstein also played key roles in expanding the California Coastal Monument.

“I’m thrilled that this designation came so soon after the very well attended public meeting with Interior Secretary Sally Jewell last fall,” said Ann Cole, Executive Director with the Mendocino Land Trust. “We’re very grateful to Congressman Jared Huffman and Secretary Sally Jewell for brining national attention to the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands.”

Stornetta is the first new national monument proclaimed since President Obama declared “I’ll use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations” in his January 28 State of the Union address.

“We applaud President Obama’s commitment to conservation,” said Nathan Weaver, Preservation Advocate with Environment California. “We look forward to continuing to work with the President and his team to protect California’s mountains, deserts, lakes, and beautiful places for future generations.”

“Protected public lands play a vital role in our quality of life here in California,” concluded Kathryn Phillips, Director of Sierra Club California. “We look forward to seeing communities across the state benefit as this and other special places are protected.”

Environment California is a state-based, citizen-funded, environmental advocacy organization working toward a cleaner, greener, healthier future.