WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 -- An eight-year battle to create the largest national park in the lower 48 states came to an end Monday when President Clinton signed the California Desert Protection Act. Under the measure, nearly 8 million acres of desert lands in Southern California will receive strong protections under federal law with the creation of national parks in Death Valley and Joshua Tree.
Environmental groups have long sought federal protections for the vast region of dormant volcanoes, massive dunes, American Indian petroglyphs and a vast array of wildlife, including the endangered desert tortoise. The signing was hailed by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who sheperded the long-delayed bill through Congress. 'The desert bill strikes a balance between protecting the environment, protecting the region's jobs and recognizing the ongoing activities in the desert communities,' Feinstein said in Los Angeles where she is campaigning for re-election. Feinstein made the protection bill a key component of her first term and her bitter battle against Rep. Michael Huffington, R-Santa Barbara, to retain her seat. The measure was originally introduced in 1986 by former Sen. Alan Cranston, D-Calif., but thelawmaker failed to make significant headway in overcoming opposition. Mining, ranching and sportsmen opposed the measure and argued it would place unreasonable restrictions on their use of the land. With amendments taken in Congress, Feinstein agreed to allow continued recreational access to about 33,000 square miles of land, allow some livestock grazing and leave existing mining operations intact.
