Pinnacles edges closer to parkhood

Pinnacles National Monument near central California’s Salinas Valley is a step closer to becoming a national park.

The House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed a bill introduced by Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.) on July 11 that would afford the monument greater protections as a national park, according to California Public News Service. The legislation, which is set to go before the U.S. House of Representatives, has the support of cities and businesses which stand to benefit from increased tourism to San Benito and southern Monterey counties. Originally set aside by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1908, Pinnacles is a popular destination for rock climbers and home to a handful of endangered California condors.

“It’s very spectacular, very beautiful,” Farr said. “Elevated to a park, it certainly will attract more visitors, which will be good for the economy in the rural areas.”