Rep. John Garamendi on Tuesday testified in favor of the proposed Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act, touting its potential to create jobs in addition to protecting habitat.

“The Berryessa Snow Mountain NCA bill would open up a range of business opportunities for our region,” Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, told the Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation.

“The NCA designation has a proven track record of increasing tourism and creating jobs, which is why H.R. 1025 has garnered the support of Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Supervisors, Northern California cities and other local stakeholders.”

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, reintroduced the bill in May, calling the area, which is home to bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions and tule elk, “a unique national treasure.” Garamendi and Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, signed on as co-authors. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., has penned a companion bill.

Thompson and Boxer also introduced the bills during the last congress.

The NCA would manage and protect about 350,000 acres of federal lands in Yolo, Lake, Mendocino, Napa and Solano counties, from Putah Creek to Snow Mountain, the highest point in Colusa and Lake counties, as well as promote tourism and outdoor recreation and create a public advisory committee.

The management plan’s would include: better coordination among agencies; protection of wildlife; habitat restoration; improvement of water quality; expanded hiking, camping, horseback riding and rafting opportunities; and prevention of wildfires.

The designation would apply to land the federal government manages. It would not alter access to or use of private land, existing roads or trails, or hunting and fishing overseen by the state Department of Fish and Game.

The bill has the backing of dozens of elected officials, landowners and businesses in the affected counties, including the cities of Davis and Winters, as both local and national conservation and recreation groups, including Tuleyome and the Yolo Audubon Society.

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