Designation protects 321,000 acres in California   

Bend, Ore., July 16, 2015 – The Conservation Alliance applauds President Obama for designating the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. This proclamation preserves 321,000 acres of Forest Service and BLM land in Colorado. In addition to protecting habitat values, the new monument safeguards important recreation lands near the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.

“The Berryessa Snow Mountain area is a hidden gem in a state renowned for its spectacular landscapes,” said John Sterling, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. “With this proclamation, President Obama continues his legacy of protecting special wild places with designations that enjoy strong local support.”

Two Conservation Alliance grantees – Tuleyome and Conservation Lands Foundation – worked with local stakeholders to secure this designation.

Congressman Mike Thompson and Senator Barbara Boxer introduced legislation in February to protect Berryessa Snow Mountain, but Congress failed to move the bill. The President’s proclamation of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument honors his commitment to protecting landscapes when Congress fails to act.

“We thank President Obama and Interior Secretary Sally Jewell for recognizing this special place, and protecting Berryessa Snow Mountain forever,” said Sterling.

About the Conservation Alliance:The Conservation Alliance is an organization of outdoor businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where outdoor enthusiasts recreate. Alliance funds have played a key role in protecting rivers, trails, wildlands and climbing areas.

Membership in the Alliance is open to companies representing all aspects of the outdoor industry, including manufacturers, retailers, publishers, mills and sales representatives. The result is a diverse group of businesses whose livelihood depends on protecting our natural environment.

Since its inception in 1989, the Alliance has contributed more than $14 million to grassroots conservation groups. Alliance funding has helped save more than 44 million acres of wildlands; protect 2,825 miles of rivers; stop or remove 26 dams; designate five marine reserves; and purchase nine climbing areas.

For complete information on the Conservation Alliance, see www.conservationalliance.com.

John Sterling541-389-2424john@conservationalliance.com

Julie Evans970-259-3555julie@verdepr.com