President Obama Expands California Coastal Monument

Environment California Applauds Move that Protects Stornetta Public Lands

Environment California

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today President Barack Obama signed a proclamation to permanently protect California’s Stornetta Public Lands as part of the California Coastal National Monument. The move saves 1,600 acres of beach, wetlands, dunes, and waterways along Northern California’s scenic coastline.

Nathan Weaver, Preservation Advocate with Environment California, issued the following statement:

“We are thrilled that President Obama expanded the California Coastal Monument to include Stornetta Public Lands. Stornetta’s beaches, tide pools, islands, wetlands, and wildlife perfectly capture the rugged beauty of California’s northern coastline. The area is home to rare and endangered animals, including the snowy plover, the Point Arena mountain beaver, and Behren’s silverspot butterfly. We are heartened that this incredible place will be protected for future generations of Californians to enjoy.

“Protecting this beautiful area of California’s northern coast would not be possible without the advocacy of our congressional leaders. I thank Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and Congressmen Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson. In addition I thank Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and President Obama for their leadership on protecting this California treasure.

“This will be 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 Jan. 28 State of the Union address. California is home to hundreds of thousands of pristine acres under threat and eligible for protection. We look forward to continuing to work with the President and his team to continue saving California’s mountains, deserts, lakes, and beautiful places statewide.”