Senators Padilla and Garamendi Spearhead Bill to Expand San Pablo Bay Refuge by over 5,500 Acres in Northern California

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla and U.S. Representative John Garamendi have proposed a bill to expand the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge by approximately 5,658 acres. Joining in support are Representatives Jared Huffman and Mike Thompson, who are cosponsoring the bill in the House of Representatives. These additional lands include areas in Solano, Marin, and Sonoma counties, already managed by the state and nonprofit organizations. The expansion is critical in safeguarding Northern California's tidal marshes, enhancing the region’s climate resiliency, and contributing to California's ambitious conservation goals.

Senator Padilla, Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, stressed the refuge's importance, highlighting that “Expanding the refuge’s boundary by over 5,500 acres would both protect Northern California tidal marshes to support wildlife and advance California’s ambitious conservation goals,” in a statement by U.S. Senator Alex Padilla office's press release. Representative Garamendi echoed this sentiment, mentioning his lifelong passion for conserving such special places within California, a sentiment also shared by his colleagues.

The lands under consideration for addition include parcels owned by California's State Coastal Conservancy and Sonoma Land Trust. Specific areas like Bel Marin Keys Unit V, Mare Island WETP, and Camps 4 and 5 would join the refuge's already significant acreage, aiming to enhance the region's natural splendor and biodiversity. Moreover, the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act would direct the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to negotiate cooperative management agreements with state agencies, ensuring public access to these areas for sustainable outdoor activities.

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By:  Eileen Vargas
Source: Hoodline, North SF Bay Area

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