This week the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, which has jurisdiction over federal land management, received testimony from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Forest Service in support of H.R. 689, legislation that I introduced earlier this year. This bill will improve the recreational experience in the Chappie-Shasta Off-Highway Vehicle Area, located in Shasta County, by addressing the current difficulties resulting from duplicative management by the Forest Service and BLM. I am extremely pleased that the House passed this bill with unanimous support on June 2nd, and that it enjoys the strong support of California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, who have joined in this effort by introducing companion legislation, S. 1328.

During his testimony, Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief of the Forest Service, said that H.R. 689 would provide “a seamless recreation experience and improved management of the [Chappie-Shasta] Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Area.” The Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Department of the Interior, Robert Stanton, further expressed this sentiment: “[t]his interchange of administrative jurisdiction between the two agencies will lead to efficiencies in agency management, consistent management of Federal resources involved and better service to the public…The BLM believes enactment of the bill would make land management adjustments where they are appropriate and beneficial to the public.”

I am hopeful that with the Administration’s support and the strong backing of Senators Feinstein and Boxer, this bill will move towards swift passage in the Senate and into law. While this legislation serves as just one example to improve access and efficient, multiple-use of our federal lands, these are principles that I have long advocated for and will continue to pursue for federal lands throughout the Second Congressional District.