This morning the House of Representatives passed the long-awaited wilderness bill, which is now on its way to President Obama for approval.
The bill includes outstanding lands in the Mono Basin and overlooking Mono Lake, including additions to the existing Hoover and Ansel Adams wilderness areas.
Public lands at the headwaters of Lee Vining Creek, including Mt. Conness, the Tioga Crest, and the Mt. Warren-Lee Vining Peak plateau, will be permanently protected from development and water extraction by being added to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The bill also creates new wilderness areas on public lands at nearby Granite Mountain, the Owens River Headwaters, and the spectacular White Mountains, and it expands the John Muir Wilderness.
Thank you to those of you who made phone calls in support of the bill! Congratulations to the many individuals who have worked so hard to achieve these protections!
From the AP: House passes bill to expand wilderness in 9 states
