July 28, 2021, Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA 3rd District) released discussion draft legislation to add the Lake County portion of Walker Ridge to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. This tract of nearly 4,000 acres, was within the original Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument boundary, but was excluded before President Obama signed the Presidential Proclamation on July 10, 2015. Also included in the draft legislation is the requirement to complete a Monument Management Plan within a year. 

Located north of San Francisco and Sacramento, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is a rugged and diverse landscape. The region is culturally significant to numerous Native American tribes and is also notable for its variety of habitats including grasslands, old growth conifer forests, and woodlands. It hosts imperiled wildlife such as northern spotted owls, Northern California steelhead, martens, and  fishers.  

Walker Ridge, approximately 10 miles east of Clearlake, is a jewel of biodiversity. The area hosts ancient blue oak woodlands, rugged rock outcrops, precious meadows, rolling hills of chaparral and extensive  stands of McNab cypress. It is home to more than 30 species of rare plants.

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