Over 240 California Veterans Show Support for the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act

El Cerrito, California (May 13, 2019) – Over 240 California veterans signed a letter to show their support for the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act.

This legislation was introduced by Senator Kamala Harris and Congressman Jared Huffman after years of working with business leaders, conservationists, anglers, mountain bikers, and other stakeholders. The Bill would conserve approximately 262,000 acres as wilderness, designate 379 miles of new wild and scenic rivers, and create a special restoration area of more than 700,000 acres.

We are grateful for Congressman Huffman and Senator Harris’ commitment to our public lands and rivers. We look forward to working with them on reintroduction and passage of this important legislation.

“This bill is good for wildlife, water, and the environment, and it will also enhance recreation and economic benefits in the region,” said Kate Hoit, Vet Voice Foundation’s California State Director and OIF veteran. “Perhaps more importantly for us, it preserves California’s public lands for veterans, and active duty servicemembers who rely on them to help reintegrate and ‘walk off the war.’”

As veterans, we fought to protect our country, including our public lands. The ability to access these lands has made it easier for many veterans to transition back to civilian life – whether it’s reconnecting with family and friends, hiking, fishing, or finding peace and solitude, our public lands provide veterans with these needed opportunities. It’s important that this bill is reintroduced to protect the lands so many veterans rely on when they return home.