Protecting Berryessa Snow Mountain

With the Berryessa Snow Mountain region just beyond my backyard, I recently drove west to the Blue Ridge, to hike Annie’s Trail at the headwaters of the Cold Canyon UC Natural Reserve.  While the trail is strenuous, our group slowly but steadily climbed the 2500 feet to Annie’s Rock.  From this spectacular perch we looked out at the heart of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region, including the Cedar Roughs Wilderness across Lake Berryessa and a terrific view 100 miles north to the Snow Mountain Wilderness.

Though I have lived in the area for years, I continue to love the diversity of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.  We caught much of this diversity on our recent hike on Annie’s Trail, but at any time, I can enjoy a hike through Blue Oak woodlands or visit incredible wild flower displays.  Tule elk, black bear, mountain lions, river otters or Pacific Fishers roam the canyons while eagles, osprey and herons soar above.  The Berryessa Snow Mountain region hosts a landscape that is also open to a variety of activities; visitors can hike, hunt, camp, fish, go birding, mountain bike, use off road vehicles on legal routes, boat on Lake Berryessa, horseback ride and much more. 

My love for the region is why I’m a part of the campaign to protect the Berryessa Snow Mountain landscape—a campaign that continues to grow.  Most recently, the City of West Sacramento voted to support the permanent protection of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.  This community, like so many others, clearly understands the economic development opportunities that will accompany the protection of the region, and values a high quality of life for residents and businesses. Safeguarding the Berryessa Snow Mountain area includes protecting public lands where individuals and families can reconnect with America's great outdoors.

In addition to community endorsements, the campaign to permanently protect Berryessa Snow Mountain is thrilled to have the endorsement of the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.  Recent polling by the Sierra Club and the National Council of La Raza clearly shows the strong support from the Hispanic community for protection our wild places.

The Berryessa Snow Mountain region is accessible to many of northern California’s urban centers, located just an hour or two from the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento.  As the campaign grows, we appreciate the communities’ support for permanent protection and encourage visitors to learn more about this incredible place.  For more information, please visit www.berryessasnowmountain.org. 

-- by Bob Schneider, Mother Lode Chapter Conservation Chair