Press Release Nov 21, 2012

National Parks Group Urge Secretary Salazar to Protect California's Only Marine Wilderness Area

Statement by Neal Desai, Pacific Region Associate Director, National Parks Conservation Association

“The National Parks Conservation Association applauds Secretary Salazar for visiting Point Reyes National Seashore today and meeting with local community leaders and environmental champions including Dr. Sylvia Earle. Secretary Salazar’s visit adds to an extensive public engagement process, and we respect his thorough and personal review of what is at stake.”

“Preserving Drakes Estero in Point Reyes National Seashore for all Americans to enjoy is reason enough to move forward on the wilderness designation. The National Park Service paid for this property 40 years ago. It is time to make it fully accessible to the public.”

“We believe this is a great opportunity for the Obama Administration to continue protecting our cherished public lands by establishing the west coast’s first marine wilderness area.”

“On behalf of the National Parks Conservation Association’s more than 750,000 members and supporters, we will strongly support a decision to protect wilderness as long planned and paid for by all Americans. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to defending and celebrating a decision to designate marine wilderness.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.

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