Santa Cruz County land added to national monument
UPDATE 1/12/17 4:50 PM: Over 5,000 acres of land in Santa Cruz County is now protected as a national monument.
The White House announced Thursday that President Obama is expanding the California Coastal National Monument to include the 5,800 acre Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Davenport.
The California Coastal Monument was originally designated in 2000 by President Bill Clinton and protects thousands of off-shore rocks, islands and pinnacles that serve as a haven for seabirds and sea mammals. It also includes public land onshore.
In a statement, the White House said, “Expansion will protect incredible coastal natural resources, scenic views, and areas of cultural and historical significance, including sites that provide insight into the Native peoples who first lived along California’s coast and places still important to local tribes today.”
PREVIOUS STORY: Supporters who would like to see 5,800 acres of prime Santa Cruz County land added to the California Coastal National Monument are hoping President Obama makes it happen before the end of his second term.
This week, President Obama designated two national monuments in Utah and Nevada. It was a move that outraged some Republicans and many rural residents in the Rocky Mountain West states.
“We’re optimistic. It’s not over yet. Definitely stay tuned. We encourage people to send their support to the President and the Department of Interior,” Mike Kahn, Communications Manager for Sempervirens Fund told KION.
If the president does act, he would add the Cotoni-Coast Dairies in Davenport to the already existing California Coastal National Monument.
The Coastal Monument protects thousands of off-shore rocks, islands and pinnacles that serve as a haven for seabirds and sea mammals. It also includes public land onshore.
Not everyone welcomes the idea of making Cotoni-Coast Dairies a monument. Some locals say the area isn’t built to accommodate increased traffic that would accompany the many visitors it would be sure to attract.
President Obama doesn’t have long to act. His last day in office is January 20, 2017.
