The Pinnacles National Park Act would upgrade the area to recognize its diverse ecosystems, geology and cultural history

Washington, DC – Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) today introduced H.R.3641, the Pinnacles National Park Act—legislation to upgrade the Pinnacles National Monument in San Benito County to ‘National Park’ status. The status upgrade of the area would recognize and preserve its diverse ecosystems, geology, and cultural history, and would place it under the National Park System. The bill was previously introduced in the 111^th Congress as H.R.3444.  

“The Pinnacles Monument is home to diverse ecosystems and an important part of our state’s cultural heritage,” said Congressman Sam Farr. “It is time to raise Pinnacles to a National Park that more accurately defines this jewel of Central California, and all it has to offer. It is a critical refuge for many species including the California condor and it offers another great potential for tourism revenue in the area.”

National Monuments, smaller than National Parks, are centered around a specific resource and lack diversity. The Pinnacles region, at 14,500 acres, is home to 32 floral and fauna species that hold special federal or state status, is the only remaining home of the California Condor and encompasses a unique blend of California heritage. The area is far more than rock formations, and currently its rich diversity is not recognized in its current status.

The legislation also allows the U.S. Interior Secretary to acquire land within the boundaries of the park as deemed necessary.

The Pinnacles National Park Act was introduced consecutively with Congressman Jeff Denham’s (R-CA) legislation to acquire 18 acres of land in Mariposa County to build a visitor center and an administrative facility for Yosemite Park. The administrative and visitors facility would help ease growing traffic and the increasing carbon footprint in the park, as employees would not have to drive into the park for work everyday.

The introduction of the two California bills will help preserve the state’s natural resources and play a key role in ensuring they both receive bipartisan consideration.      

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