Vet Voice Foundation Praises Senator Kamala Harris on New Bills to Protect California Public Lands

Washington, D.C. – The nonprofit Vet Voice Foundation today praised Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) for introducing two bills, the San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act and the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act, to protect the public lands and rivers in San Gabriel Mountains and Northwestern California.

“Vet Voice Foundation works to ensure that public lands remain in public hands and Senator Harris’ bills do just that,” said the Vet Voice Foundation’s California State Director and OIF veteran Kate Hoit. “These bills protect lands and expand access, which is crucial to helping veterans reintegrate back into civilian life. And they also boost tourism, create jobs and enhance the quality of life in both regions.”

Visitors from California and around the world come to Northwest and Southern California to visit San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the vast mountains and rives of the Northwest. Senator Harris’ bills aim to protect our mountains and wilderness.

Senator Harris’ bill, San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act (which is a companion bill to similar legislation introduced by Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA)), will expand and protect the recently designated San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to include the western areas of the Angeles National Forest and to establish a National Recreation Area along the Foothills and San Gabriel River corridor. This area is one of the most visited places in the Angeles National Forest and is now under stress from overuse. Senator Harris’ bill will enhance conservation and improve management of these areas with special ecological, cultural, historic, and recreational value through more resources, education, and public engagement.

Senator Harris’ proposed legislation the Northwest California Wilderness, Recreation, and Working Forests Act (which is a companion bill to legislation of the same name introduced by Congressman Jared Huffman (CA)) would safeguard and restore public lands in the Northwestern California Wilderness. It would protect our wild lands and rivers and expand recreational opportunities while restoring watersheds, managing for fire, and create jobs. This would also drive consumer spending in local communities and enhances the region’s outdoor recreation economy.

“I applaud Senator Harris’ leadership in working to protect, defend, and provide access for public lands throughout California for veterans, and all Americans,” said Hoit.