Recent legislation, H.R. 6687, was introduced by Representative Jared Huffman to amend the Point Reyes National Seashore enabling legislation. EAC is engaged on this issue and has met with Representative Huffman’s office, talked with our environmental partners, listened to the concerns of our members, and discussed the issues at our recent Board of Director’s meeting.
Representative Huffman presented his perspective on the bill in his August 30th statement: “This bill provides a measure of support for the continuation of sustainable ranching and dairies as part of the fabric of the spectacular Point Reyes National Seashore, without compromising any environmental standards consistent with the current General Management Plan[1].”
EAC remains committed to our support of Secretary of the Interior’s 2012 memorandum that directed the Seashore to “allow the permit for Drakes Bay Oyster Company to expire,” convert “Drakes Estero from potential to designated wilderness,” and to “pursue extending permits for ranchers within the pastoral lands to 20-year terms[2].”
While concerns have been raised that the introduced legislation could undermine the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), EAC is supportive of the directive of Section 10 of the proposed legislation for the GMP amendment to proceed and allows for the public NEPA process to continue. EAC anticipates the GMP amendment process to begin in the fall of 2018.
“The GMP amendment must advance the protection, restoration, and preservation of park resources using ranch leases that ensure that multi-generational, environmentally sustainable ranching is complementary to the natural resources and visitor experiences within the park.”
EAC continues to work collaboratively with our environmental partners, ranchers, and membership to participate in the GMP amendment process. EAC approaches these issues using our guiding principles to find solutions that ensure protection and preservation of natural resources, restoration of degraded habitats and park resources, and allow maximum public access to parklands.
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[1] Press Release, Rep. Huffman Introduces Bill on Sustainable Management of the Point Reyes National Seashore, August 30, 2018.
[2] Department of the Interior, Point Reyes National Seashore – Drakes Bay Oyster Company, November 29, 2012.
