Napa Landowner Testifies on Berryessa Conservation Plan

 Judy Ahmann, a private landowner and rancher from Napa, testified Tuesday on the need for conservation protections in the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area.

Ahmann joined U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, before a Committee on Natural Resources’ Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation hearing on H.R. 1025, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act. 

H.R. 1025, introduced by Thompson in March 2013, would designate the 350,000 acre Berryessa Snow Mountain region as a National Conservation Area (NCA). Under this designation, all currently owned federal lands within the NCA boundary would be united under one management plan, allowing the region to be managed according to the site-specific needs.

The region would also be permanently protected under a NCA designation, ensuring continued recreational opportunities while safeguarding the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, rare plants, and waters – which include important sources of drinking water and irrigation for nearby communities.

Here is Ahmann's testimony, in part:

“My name is Judy Ahmann and I am a private landowner and rancher from Northern California. I have been actively involved in the California Cattlewomen’s Association and have served as the President at the local and state levels. I have also served on the Executive Board of American National CattleWomen. I am a member of the Napa County Farm Bureau and donate time and raise money for scholarship funds for the local 4H and Future Farmers of America groups. 

“My husband, John, and I operate a 3,000 acre cattle ranch, Running Deer Ranch, located on the northeastern shoreline of Lake Berryessa in the Blue Ridge, which we have recently gifted to our three daughters. Our ranch is directly adjacent to Bureau of Land Management lands that are proposed to be included in this national conservation area. We are strongly supportive of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Conservation Area Act because we believe this legislation will help forever preserve this wonderful place and our way of life.

“I live and work in an incredible place. Deer and black bear freely roam the steep hillsides while bald and golden eagles, osprey and falcons soar on rising thermals. We love the blue oak woodlands and marvel at the rare plants found on the serpentine soils. A national conservation area designation will keep the region the way it is, creating a lasting legacy of public enjoyment of the outdoors for activities like hunting, grazing, hiking, and rafting.

“There are many benefits to a national conservation area, but one that is of particular importance to me is that this designation will require the three federal land managers – the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Reclamation – to develop a cohesive and comprehensive management plan for all the federal lands in the conservation area.

"A comprehensive management approach will allow the federal agencies and the local community to better coordinate on important regional land use issues such as fire management, noxious weed control, and eradication of illegal marijuana production. 

“As a rancher, I am supportive of the grazing language included in the legislation. The legislation does not impact existing grazing operations. The legislation also permits new grazing within the conservation area, so long as it is consistent with existing law and the purposes of the area. Grazing may also be used as a management tool for activities such as noxious weed control or fire suppression. 

“As a private landowner, I am supportive of the private property language within the legislation. The legislation applies only to Federal lands and does not impact any non-federal land, including private property. Nothing in the legislation requires a landowner to allow public access to private property. And, the land management agencies must continue to provide adequate access to private inholdings within the conservation area. 

“Representative Thompson and his staff worked closely with local stakeholders to personally hear their thoughts and input, and to incorporate many of their ideas and suggestions. Because of this, H.R. 1025 has strong public support. Cities, counties, chambers of commerce and businesses throughout the region recognize the economic potential of this land designation.

"Landowners, farmers, and ranchers throughout the region support the bill because they see the value in preserving this area and their way of life.

"Recreation users from horse riders, to off road vehicle users and mountain bikers, to anglers, birders, hikers, and sportsmen treasure the region and are supportive of the proposed conservation area to maintain their recreational access. I have a list of supporters for this bill that I would like to submit with my testimony for the record.

“In addition to permanently protecting the open space of our ranch, we also put a trail easement on our property to open public access to 9,100 acres of Bureau of Land Management federal public lands that had been landlocked.

"Today, the public can hike a path up to the Berryessa Peak public lands, legally, for the first time in 150 years. Breathtaking vistas, camping opportunities, rugged cliffs and seasonal creeks all can be enjoyed by the public now and for many years to come. I look forward to my grandsons hiking this trail with their Boy Scout troops.

“In conclusion, the Berryessa Snow Mountain region deserves to be permanently protected for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations. I strongly support H.R. 1025 to protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain region and urge favorable and swift action on this bill. Thank you for the opportunity to testify.”