Save our plains 

The League of Women Voters of San Luis Obispo County supports the protection and enhancement of public lands in our county, including the Carrizo Plain National Monument. The recent “review” ordered by the president has put the monument at potential risk. We urge that the monument be protected and preserved for future generations.

Efforts to protect Carrizo Plain date back to the 1980s, when the Nature Conservancy purchased 82,000 acres of private land and eventually transferred ownership of it to the federal government. Nearby lands were added as mitigation for various impacts of development on both public and private lands in the southern San Joaquin Valley. These lands came into public ownership for specific purposes, primarily for wildlife habitat conservation and enhancement, and led ultimately and naturally to the creation of Carrizo Plain National Monument. The monument is known for its unique scenic character and its wildlife and wildflower displays, especially this year when the “super bloom” attracted thousands of visitors.

The Department of the Interior is accepting public comment until July 10. We urge everyone who supports the Carrizo Plain National Monument to write to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke or go online to doi.gov and let him know you want the monument preserved as the treasure it is.

Marguerite Bader - president - League of Women Voters of SLO County