Preserving natural treasures make sense

I am a local hunter and NRA certified instructor and am a proud life-long resident of the Valley. I enjoy our many national parks and monuments and utilize the available public access to many outdoor recreation activities, including hunting and fishing.

California’s National Parks and Monuments are currently under assessment by the U.S. Department of Interior at the request of President Trump. There are seven California Monuments under review, including the Southern California monuments: Mojave Trails and Sand to Snow.

Each of these parks offers outdoor recreation opportunities, not only for California residents like myself, but also millions of visitors each year. I have seen the economic benefit of these monuments and we must preserve these natural habitats and environments for future generations.

Outdoor recreation generates approximately $85 billion in annual consumer spending in California, supports 730,000 jobs, and provides an estimated $6.7 billion in state and local tax revenue. Preserving these natural treasures not only makes sense for the enjoyment of the millions that utilize them every year, but also to the economics of our state.

I want to foster a love of the outdoors and outdoor recreation for my children and for the future of our communities. Join me in support of the current boundaries to our National Parks and Monuments to preserve them for the enjoyment of future generations.

LES KNAPP IV

Holtville