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Public Lands for the People,concerned user groups and otherindividuals will be attending a public meeting October 13th at 2:00 p.m. near Palm Springs voicing opposition to 1,000,000 acres of newly proposed National Monument designations. We are again asking all who can attend to join us in order to create a block of opposition, much like the successful Joshua Tree meeting a few months ago. This meeting was kept under wraps until now, so under these circumstances a public show of force is the only option available at this time and we must not waste the opportunity.If you have any questions, please contact Walt Wegner at 818-652-3016. For those who will be attending the Oktoberfest, please stop by the PLP booth for more information. Once again, those in the area need to step up and oppose.
We believe the President might be flying in for this meeting, but are unable to confirm at this time.

Below is the press release from Senator Feinstein's website, which includes information on the meeting location.You can also click on the PDF versionhere.

Thank you very much,
Walt Wegner
President, Public Lands for the People


Feinstein to Host Public Meeting on

Proposed Desert Monument Designations

Proposal would designate Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains national monuments

Senator invites senior administration officials to hear public input on desert conservation

Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) will host a public meeting onOctober 13on proposed national monument designations in the California desert. The meeting will take place at the Wildlands Conservancy’s Whitewater Preserve at 2 p.m. near Palm Springs and is open to the public.

On August 3, Feinstein sent a letter to President Obama requesting he use his authority under theAntiquities Actto designate three new national monuments: Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains.

This request is consistent with the senator’s longstanding efforts to protect these areas legislatively. Feinstein is committed to hearing local community voices on their conservation goals for these areas and has invited senior administration officials to be present at the public meeting.

“The California desert is a magnificent national treasure, and I won’t rest in my efforts to ensure it stays that way for generations to come,”said Feinstein. “Critical parts of the desert are at risk and need our support.”

WHAT:Public meeting on proposed Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains national monuments.

WHEN:Tuesday, October 13, at 2 p.m.

WHERE:The Wildlands Conservancy’s Whitewater Preserve,9160 Whitewater Canyon Road,Whitewater, Calif. 92282

WHO:Senator Feinstein has invited the following individuals to deliver remarks:

 U.S. Department of the Interior Deputy Secretary Mike Connor

 U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie

 Other senior administration officials

 Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.)

 Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.)

 Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.)

 California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird

 Wildlands Conservancy Executive Director David Myers

 San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Ramos

 Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chairman Marion Ashley

 Fort Mojave Indian Tribe Chairman Timothy Williams

 Spokesman for the California Off-Road Vehicle Association Randy Banis

Earlier this year, Feinstein introduced theCalifornia Desert Conservation and Recreation Act of 2015,a comprehensive bill to protect pristine land and help manage California’s desert resources by carefully balancing conservation, recreation and renewable energy development. National monument designations are included in this legislation, in addition to many other provisions.

“My preference remains to pass the legislation in full,”Feinstein said. “However, as it has not yet passed the Senate, I am forced to pursue a dual-track strategy, which means I will simultaneously push for my bill to become law while also pursuing the administrative designations under the Antiquities Act.”

This public meeting is an opportunity to hear from the community on its wishes for conservation of the area.