WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Howard P. "Buck" McKeon (R-Santa Clarita) was joined by Santa Clarita officials, California sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts praising passage of the Congressman's Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains Wild Heritage Act, which was included in H.R. 146, the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 and expected to be signed by the President early next week. McKeon's measure gives wilderness designations — the highest level of protection and conservation for federal lands — to over 470,000 acres of federal public land in the 25th District of California and to four wild and scenic rivers near Santa Clarita and in the Eastern Sierra, including the White Mountains.
    "The land in the Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains areas — which includes Magic Mountain — is some of the most magnificent in California and the country," said McKeon.
    "My bill works to protect and designate that land as wilderness, which will ultimately be a boon to the economy with increased recreational opportunities and by drawing sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Senator Boxer and I worked together and met with virtually every local stakeholder and leader to reach a compromise. This package works for my district because it isn't Congress telling my district how to manage our land; this is my community — my constituents — asking Congress to approve a land use compromise developed and vetted back home in California."
    City of Santa Clarita Councilmember Laurie Ender says the City is grateful for McKeon's tireless work on the wilderness legislation.
    "The Santa Clarita City Council knows that enactment of this landmark legislation was the result of Congressman McKeon's strong commitment to bi-partisanship and appropriate environmental protection for federally owned lands in his district."
    Sally Miller, Field Representative for the Wilderness Society, celebrated the community's involvement as playing a critical role in the wilderness bill's passage by Congress.
    "The passage of this bill is not only about land, it's about the many passionate people who love the Eastern Sierra and who have toiled for countless years to see places such as the headwaters of the Owens River and the ancient bristlecone pines of the White Mountains permanently protected. This is a great day for Mono County and the Eastern Sierra. We thank Congressman McKeon, Senator Boxer, and their outstanding staff for bringing the dreams of the Eastern Sierra community to fruition."
    The Eastern Sierra and Northern San Gabriel Mountains Wild Heritage Act, which includes portions of Magic Mountain, would better protect some of California's best fishing and hunting grounds. For this reason, many sportsmen's organizations based or with chapters in California, among them Trout Unlimited, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, California Trout, the Santa Clarita Casting Club, and the Northern and Southern Councils of the Federation of Fly Fishers, strongly endorse the McKeon-Boxer bill.
    The McKeon-Boxer legislation represents a major investment in California's outdoor heritage. Many native fish and game species in California are in decline, primarily due to loss of habitat. At the same time, the economies of many rural communities are becoming increasingly dependent on outdoors-based activities such as fishing and hunting.
    Rudy Ortega, Jr., Tataviam Tribal Administrator, says the legislation is key for his tribe's heritage.
    "This bill is important for our tribe and we are thrilled that Congressman McKeon is preserving these lands for our youth and future generations. It will be treasured and shared as we use these lands for rites of passage and other tribal rituals. These are exciting times."
    The omnibus lands bill will now be sent to the President for his signature, which is expected early next week.
    For maps, videos of McKeon discussing the wilderness legislation, or more information on McKeon's Eastern Sierra Northern San Gabriel Wild Heritage Act, please visit www.mckeon.house.gov.