House Passes Bill To Designate Wilderness Areas in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park

Legislation Names Wilderness Area After Former Congressman John Krebs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House of Representatives passed the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Wilderness Act by voice vote. This legislation, sponsored by Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), designates nearly 115,000 acres of wilderness in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Approximately 45,000 acres of the wilderness established in the bill will be incorporated into the currently existing Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness area. The other 70,000 acres will be a new wilderness area, named after former Congressman John Krebs.

"Sequoia-Kings Canyon is one of the crown jewels of our National Park system, and the new designated wilderness areas will ensure it is protected for generations to come," said Costa. "Congressman Krebs worked to protect this area while he was in Congress, so it's fitting and appropriate that we set aside land and name it after him."

It is unknown when the Senate will take up legislation, but the Energy and Natural Resources will hold a hearing on the Senate companion bill, S. 1774 sponsored by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), on June 17th, 2008.

The wilderness areas designated by this Act include some spectacular areas within the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. The Redwood Canyon area contains Redwood Mountain Grove, the largest stand of Giant Sequoia within the parks. The Redwood Canyon area also includes over 75 known caves, including the longest cave in California with over 21 miles of surveyed passage. The Hockett Plateau includes vast rolling forests of lodgepole pine surrounding spectacular sub-alpine meadows. The area is a favorite destination for equestrians, backpackers, and anglers.

Former Congressman Krebs represented the Fresno area, including the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, from 1975 till 1979. He is 81 years old and currently living in Fresno.