For Immediate Release:
March 25, 2009
March 25, 2009
Contact: (202) 225-4761
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Contact: (202) 536-6190
Edward Stern, Deputy Press Secretary
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Contact: (202) 536-6190
Edward Stern, Deputy Press Secretary
Congressman Salazar celebrates two major legislative victories for the San Luis Valley
Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 includes both the Baca Wildlife Refuge
Management Act and the Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area Act
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United States House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Among the pieces of individual legislation were two bills specifically aimed at preserving the heritage and landscape of the San Luis Valley; the Baca Wildlife Refuge Management Act and the Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area Act.
BACA WILDLIFE REFUGE MANAGEMENT ACT
The Baca Wildlife Refuge Management Act will amend the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 to explain the purpose and provide for the administration of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. When the Great Sand Dunes National Park was established the legislation lacked a statement of purpose for the Baca National Wildlife refuge. This legislation defines the purpose of the refuge as follows: “…to restore, enhance, and maintain wetland, upland, riparian, and other habitats for native wildlife, plant, and fish species in the San Luis Valley.”
THE SANGRE DE CRISTO NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT
The Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area Act will designate a National Heritage Area in Conejos, Costilla and Alamosa counties. The legislation authorizes up to $10 million in federal matching funds over 15 years to help protect historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources. The National Heritage Area would be managed by local citizens and organizations, but the National Park Service will provide administrative and technical support.
Congressman Salazar offered the following thoughts on today’s passage of the Public Lands Bill.
“This is one of the proudest days of my legislative career and I’m particularly proud that I’ve been able to protect the heritage and beauty of the San Luis Valley for generations to come,” said Congressman Salazar. “The Baca Wildlife Refuge Management Act will help bring much needed clarity to the protection and management of the Baca Wildlife Refuge. The Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Act will bring deserved attention to the rich culture, heritage and landscape of the San Luis Valley. These bills represent years of work and input from communities across my district and particularly in southern Colorado. I am honored to do my part to help make these projects a reality. They will help protect Colorado’s land, water, natural beauty for generations to come. ”
BACA WILDLIFE REFUGE MANAGEMENT ACT
The Baca Wildlife Refuge Management Act will amend the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 to explain the purpose and provide for the administration of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. When the Great Sand Dunes National Park was established the legislation lacked a statement of purpose for the Baca National Wildlife refuge. This legislation defines the purpose of the refuge as follows: “…to restore, enhance, and maintain wetland, upland, riparian, and other habitats for native wildlife, plant, and fish species in the San Luis Valley.”
THE SANGRE DE CRISTO NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT
The Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Area Act will designate a National Heritage Area in Conejos, Costilla and Alamosa counties. The legislation authorizes up to $10 million in federal matching funds over 15 years to help protect historic, cultural, natural, and recreational resources. The National Heritage Area would be managed by local citizens and organizations, but the National Park Service will provide administrative and technical support.
Congressman Salazar offered the following thoughts on today’s passage of the Public Lands Bill.
“This is one of the proudest days of my legislative career and I’m particularly proud that I’ve been able to protect the heritage and beauty of the San Luis Valley for generations to come,” said Congressman Salazar. “The Baca Wildlife Refuge Management Act will help bring much needed clarity to the protection and management of the Baca Wildlife Refuge. The Sangre De Cristo National Heritage Act will bring deserved attention to the rich culture, heritage and landscape of the San Luis Valley. These bills represent years of work and input from communities across my district and particularly in southern Colorado. I am honored to do my part to help make these projects a reality. They will help protect Colorado’s land, water, natural beauty for generations to come. ”
The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 now goes to the President for consideration.
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