Senator Boxer: Creating a Sacramento River National Recreation Area   

Wednesday, February 2, 2011  

Dear Friend:

Senator Dianne Feinstein and I recently introduced legislation (S.173) to establish the Sacramento River National Recreation Area on 17,869 acres of public land along the Sacramento River, lower Battle Creek, and lower Paynes Creek in Tehama and Shasta counties.

Creating a Sacramento River National Recreation Area would give this spectacular area the recognition it deserves.  The designation would help create jobs in Tehama and Shasta counties by promoting tourism, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor recreation in the area.

Here in the “Bend Area,” the Sacramento River twists and turns through lush forests, rolling grasslands, and vibrant fields of wildflowers.  The Bend is a popular area for hunting, hiking, rafting, fishing, biking, horseback riding and picnicking.  It is home to diverse wildlife, including bald eagles, mountain lions, bobcats, mule deer, tiger salamanders and pelicans.   

The Boxer-Feinstein bill is consistent with the Tehama County Economic Road Map, which identified the county’s natural and recreation resources as among its most important assets and recommended that the county “take advantage of Tehama’s unique location and recreation opportunities to package the county as a destination.”  The Outdoor Industry Association has estimated that outdoor recreation supports 408,000 jobs and contributes $46 billion annually to California’s economy, underscoring the potential of the proposed Sacramento River National Recreation Area to drive local economic growth.

The Tehama County Board of Supervisors, the Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce and the Tehama Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors have voiced support for the proposed recreation area.  

I am pleased to join Senator Feinstein in introducing the Sacramento River National Recreation Area Act, and I will be working with her and our colleagues to enact this important bill to create jobs and preserve natural resources in Tehama and Shasta counties.

Sincerely,