More land likely for SMMNRA





The U.S. House of Representatives has unanimously passed legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) that would expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) to include vital open space areas currently outside of the park’s boundaries.


The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act, HR 640, will bring an additional 3,700 acres of donated and private land within the boundaries of the SMMNRA. This additional land is known as the Wildlife Corridor Expansion Area, and protection of this area will allow continued migration for wildlife from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Simi Hills.


"This is an important step toward ensuring that this critical wildlife area is permanently protected," Sherman said. "I commend my colleague Elton Gallegly for his work on this bill and hope the Senate will pass this legislation soon."


Sherman is also working to obtain $2.5 million to be included in the Fiscal Year 2003 Interior Appropriations Bill for land acquisition for the SMMNRA.



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