New bill looks to expand the California Coastal National Monument

Community leaders and conservation groups are praising legislation that designates Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Santa Cruz County and five other federally-owned lands along the California coast as national monuments.

Earlier this year a campaign was kicked off for this purpose, but some residents had concerns about the large number of people visiting the small town. The 5,800-acre property features six watersheds as well as diverse plants and animals.

The California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act, will ensure that current and future generations will be able to access and enjoy these nationally significant conservation lands in ways that are compatible with resource preservation and restoration goals.

More than 13,000 individuals and a wide variety of local community groups, businesses, nonprofits and government entities came together to make this happen.

The six properties proposed for inclusion in the California Coastal National Monument are located in Humboldt, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo and Orange Counties.

With National Monument designation comes heightened federal protection and increased access to public and philanthropic resources for land management, restoration and amenities to support recreational activities such as hiking and youth programs compatible with the property’s conservation values.

“We’re looking forward to additional federal funding to help take care of this magnificent property,” said Terry Corwin, President & CEO, Land Trust of Santa Cruz County.