What People Are Saying

Susan Sorrells, Shoshone

"As a fourth generation resident of Inyo County and the Amargosa I am grateful that legislation is being presented that will protect this beautiful and unique land for future generations. As the owner and operator of Shoshone Village, which employs over twenty-five people, I feel strongly that this legislation also will protect the financial future of the region."

Barbara Durham, Death Valley: Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Timbisha Shoshone Tribe

"We need to protect areas like the Avawatz Mountains because they are lands that have significant importance to us and neighboring tribes. It has been my pleasure to work with the California Wilderness Coalition toward designation of wilderness areas to protect these cultural sites and resources for the next generation to come."

Wayne Austin, San Bernardino: President and CEO, San Bernardino Convention & Visitors Bureau

"The California desert boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in the nation, and that has made tourism and recreation an essential part of our local economy. By acting to protect these lands, we not only act to protect our quality of life but we also act to protect small businesses and local jobs in the tourism sector."

Marcia Bond, Barstow: General Manager, Hampton Inn

"Our desert is a special place that offers opportunities to see and explore wild country like nowhere else. We get tourists from all over the world at our hotel, and protecting our beautiful desert vistas just makes sense. The California Desert Protection Act of 2010 will do wonders for Barstow and the desert region."

Ray Quinto, Calimesa: City Councilman

"As a Naval Officer for more than 35 years, my entire career focused on the protection of our country. I have incorporated the values that I learned in uniform into my life and personal convictions. In retirement, my commitment to community service and city government is focused on improving the quality of life for all, including protection of pristine areas in our fragile desert region. I feel strongly about preserving these lands and this means ensuring that the mission is completed and the lands are protected. Please join me in ensuring that the glorious lands of the California desert are protected for our children and grandchildren."

David Miller: President, The Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

"Big Morongo Canyon Preserve hosts thousands of international visitors each year as one of the premier birding sites on the western flyway and we are considered a jeweled centerpiece for The Morongo Valley. Now, to see our preserve become part of the proposed new Sand to Snow National Monument will represent the culmination of many years of dreams and effort. The additional protection afforded the preserve through the Monument is a clear victory for our environment, our wildlife and our community. We strongly support Sen. Feinstein’s (D-CA) California Desert Protection Act of 2011."

Dr. Donald Singer, Redlands: Past President, San Bernardino Valley College; Past Executive Director, Inland Action

"In addition to its enduring beauty, the California desert contains the bridge to our region’s history — pioneering and homesteading roots, historic trails used by Native Americans and early explorers, and of course Route 66, which is a magnet for visitors from around the world. We should seize this opportunity now to protect these resources in a balanced way that still allows for responsible development in the desert region."

Paul T. Barich, Redlands: President, Barich & Associates Insurance Marketing Services; Past-President, Redlands Chamber of Commerce

"There’s a lot to support in Senator Feinstein’s proposed desert bill. I’ve always appreciated the sense of renewal I get from the desert’s scenery and solitude. This bill would ensure that experience is protected for now and the future. And as an NRA member and someone who hunts in the desert, I’m glad that traditional hunting spots will be protected in the same way. I’m also a businessman concerned about our region’s economic prosperity, so I’m glad that this bill will protect tourism assets such as Route 66 and our national parks while assisting renewable energy development in less sensitive parts of the desert."

Mayor Pat Gilbreath, City of Redlands

"The Redlands City Council voted to unanimously support the California Desert Protection Act of 2010. The Act provides for a balanced approach to preservation with consideration for recreational, commercial, and preservation use of our California desert lands. The protected areas will also provide new opportunities for the tourist industry and potentially provide an additional extension of the trail system in the Inland Empire."

Rabbi Hillel Cohn, San Bernardino: Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation Emanu El, San Bernardino/Redlands; Rabbi, Sun City Jewish Congregation, Palm Desert

"Long, long ago it was taught that we humans must be responsible stewards of the earth. There have been all too many instances of plundering and pillaging of nature. Our California deserts must be protected from any further destruction. Indeed, we have a duty to protect that magnificent legacy of the desert areas. Development on desert lands must be carried out with care so that future generations will be able to enjoy this beautiful and precious resource. For these reasons, I support the California Desert Protection Act of 2010 and I hope others will, too."

Jim Hyatt, Calimesa: Mayor

"The Calimesa City Council unanimously supports this balanced desert conservation bill [S. 2921] that provides for the diverse land uses of our local California desert."

Ron McPeck, Redlands: Member, Redlands Unified School District Board of Education, 1995-present

"Teddy Roosevelt left us a conservation legacy by protecting some our nation’s most unique natural resources. We need to keep up the work he started for our children and all future generations. We must support protecting the California Desert by supporting S. 2921."

Karen Lowe: President of the Morongo Valley Chamber of Commerce

"The California Desert Protection Act would preserve the natural beauty of our home for future generations while also creating much-needed business and tourism opportunities now."

Ronald O. Loveridge: Mayor of Riverside

"This bill is an investment in preserving our California desert and promoting the development of clean, renewable energy which goes hand-in-hand with Riverside's local green initiatives."

David M. Beaumont: Off-highway vehicle recreation enthusiast

"Since the beginning of my involvement with Senator Feinstein’s staff regarding this issue it has been clear to me that they were asking us to work with them on the contents of this bill. Myself and others were invited to their table where they opened their ears and listened to ideas about vehicular access and recreation of various types. The daunting task of balancing the input of people such as myself against those which practice the most conservative forms of conservation was placed fully upon the Senators office. They put themselves in the place of middlemen between opposing ideals. Not a desirable position in my mind. I believe that they have acted as honorably in this roll as middlemen as any could.

"Due to this carefully held position throughout the process the Senator’s staff did not present themselves as adversaries. Instead, due to their offer and willingness to work with us, we became partners in the process of forming this legislation.

"To this date, the process of working together is still in effect, and I have faith that the process will continue to function while we work out the last few details. This legislation holds the promise of a careful balance between many opposing ideals.

"For these reasons it is my personal position to fully support this legislation."