Panetta Introduces Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act

WASHINGTON – Today, California Reps. Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), David G. Valadao (CA-21), Jeff Denham (CA-10), and Paul Cook (CA-08) introduced H.R. 1913, the Clear Creek National Recreation Area and Conservation Act. This bill directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to reopen the 63,000-acre Clear Creek Management Area in San Benito and Fresno counties for use by off-road vehicles. The legislation would also protect 21,000 acres of BLM land adjacent to Clear Creek by designating the area the Joaquin Rocks Wilderness.

"As a Californian on the Natural Resources Committee, it is important to me to protect and preserve California's public lands for future generations. This bipartisan bill not only bolsters our area's conservation efforts, it also promotes recreation and tourism in our region," said Congressman Panetta. "When this bill passes, locals and visitors will no longer be restricted from enjoying all that Clear Creek Management Area has to offer."

"Californians have been enjoying the natural beauty of Clear Creek for decades. This legislation is a common-sense solution which not only reopens the land for off highway vehicle use but also directs additional land to be preserved for future generations," said Congressman Valadao. "I am excited to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues and look forward to reopening the Clear Creek Management Area for our constituents and the entire state to enjoy once again."

A similar bill, H.R. 1838, to reopen the Clear Creek Management Area for recreational use was introduced in 2015 by Congressman Sam Farr. Once considered a premier off-road vehicle recreation site, Clear Creek was temporarily closed in 2008 to the public after an Environmental Protection Agency analysis about the risk created by naturally occurring asbestos. The bill instructs the BLM to develop a rigorous plan to minimize the risk from asbestos exposure and educate visitors about the naturally occurring asbestos. The BLM would also be required to find ways to reduce the impact of off-road vehicles to protect the area's habitat.