Tuleyome's Policy Corner - Senate Hearing on the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act
Nate Lillge • June 1, 2022
Molok Luyuk (Condor Ridge/Walker Ridge) with Blue Ridge in Distance by Marc Hoshovsky
On June 7, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a hearing to examine S.4080, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act.
This legislation would expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by nearly 4,000 acres to include the Lake County portion of Walker Ridge, known as Condor Ridge or Molok Luyuk in Patwin. The bill would also ensure that federally recognized tribes can co-manage the land with the federal agencies, rename the Ridge to Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk) and require a landscape scale management plan.
This ridgeline and the surrounding area has cultural significance to Native Americans, is home to Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, and Tule Elk. The unusual serpentine soil along the ridge provides a home for rare plant species. The Act will protect these special areas, secure recreation opportunities in the area while boosting local economies and honor its cultural significance.
More information about the hearing can be found here. More information about Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act is available on Tuleyome's website.
-Nate Lillge; nlillge@tuleyome.org
Adventures and Engagement Director
Certified California Naturalist
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