A bill to change the name of Pinnacles National Monument into a
national park advanced through its Senate hearing Wednesday and is
now ready to be voted on after the November election.
A bill to change the name of Pinnacles National Monument into a national park advanced through its Senate hearing Wednesday and is now ready to be voted on after the November election.
During the hearing, the Senate Subcommittee on National Parks heard from officials and conservation groups on the benefits the name upgrade would bring to the park, according to a press release from The Wilderness Society. Supporters said it would bring better land protection and would boost the local economy.
California Sen. Barbara Boxer introduced the bill in August and it is supported by local Congressman Sam Farr. The bill would upgrade the areas status to a state park and expand its reach by 2,905 acres.
The expanded area of land would protect additional areas at South Chalone Peak and Creek from road, power lines and permanent structures, according to the press release.
The exact date of the vote is still “up in the air,” but is expected to take place soon after the election, said Sam Goldman of the Wilderness Society.
Pinnacles National Monument was given its title by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 because of its “unique geologic features including the spectacular spires and crags.”
