Rep. Chu Introduces Bill to Expand San Gabriel National Monument and Establish New National Recreation Area
WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 26, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) introduced the San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act. This bill, cosponsored by Reps. Grace Napolitano (CA-32), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), and Tony Cardenas (CA-29), and supported by local water, conservation and recreation groups, would expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument boundaries and create a new National Recreation Area (NRA). An interactive map of the legislation can be found here. Establishing an NRA along the Foothills and San Gabriel River corridor would enhance conservation, increase access for all communities by connecting park poor areas to open space, and improve the management of the area through improved resources, education, and public engagement. The bill’s sponsors release the following statements:
“The designation of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument was an important step towards making our mountains healthy again, but we still have a long road ahead in order to see that goal through,” said Rep. Chu. “This legislation will expand the National Monument to include the western portions of the Angeles National Forest and establish a National Recreation Area (NRA) along the foothills and San Gabriel River corridor to complete the vision of a city seamlessly and sustainably connected to its mountains, and mountains that are accessible for all.”
“I am proud to support our continued efforts to increase San Gabriel Valley green space for current and future generations,” said Rep. Napolitano. “This expansion makes the Foothills and San Gabriel River corridor eligible for critical federal funding to help clean up and develop our beloved recreational areas. We will continue to work with the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and local stakeholders as we seek to preserve these precious natural resources and boost job creation for cities in my area.”
“As the population of Los Angeles continues to grow, our nation’s precious natural resources and open space will be increasingly threatened by overdevelopment and sprawl. We need to take steps now to preserve open space in the San Gabriels before it is too late,” said Rep. Schiff. “I applaud Rep. Chu for her efforts to protect our wildlife, and increase access to this environmental treasure for generations to come.”
Last Congress, Rep. Chu introduced H.R. 4858, the San Gabriel National Recreation Act, which would designate the San Gabriel Mountains, river corridors and Puente Hills as a National Recreation Area. The bill was introduced after extensive input from the community. Identifying the need for immediate action, Rep. Chu and local groups called on the Administration to designate the San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument. Heeding their call, President Obama designated the San Gabriel Mountains a National Monument in October 2014.
