Office of the Secretary
Contact: Tim Ahern (202)-208-5089

For Immediate Release Sept. 1, 1999

"Babbitt Supports Protection For California Rocks and Islands

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt today endorsed legislation to designate as federal wilderness the thousands of rocks and islands off the California coastline.

"These small rocks, islands, and reefs are absolutely essential for the existence of a number of birds and sea mammals. They provide nests, shelter, and feeding grounds for a variety of birds and sea life and we need to make sure they are protected," said Babbitt, appearing at a news conference with Rep. Sam Farr, D-Calif.

Farr is the chief author of HR 2277, the California Rocks and Islands Wilderness Act of 1999. The legislation would raise the protection level of the rocks and islands to the highest protection status afforded by the federal government. The rocks and islands, from Mexico to the Oregon coast, are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, an agency of the Department of the Interior.

The legislation would cover the rocks and islands above the mean high tide line and within three geographic miles of the coastline. There is no accurate number of how many would be involved, although most estimates put the numbers in the tens of thousands with an estimated total of 7,000 acres.

"I am pleased to support this legislation," said Babbitt. "The wide, bipartisan support it enjoys among California's Congressional delegation reflects the hope of people in California to do everything they can to protect this state's magnificent coastline, which is one of the wonders of the world. I commend Congressman Farr for sponsoring this bill."

DOI Home Page