California Appeals Court Affirms Marine Wilderness Decision at Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes, Calif. (September 4, 2013) –  A 9th Circuit Appeals Court ruling today affirmed the Obama Administration’s marine wilderness designation for Drakes Estero, the ecological heart of the Point Reyes National Seashore in California, and the only marine wilderness area on the West Coast.

The appeals court ruled that the Drakes Bay Oyster Company, a commercial operation in a national park, does not warrant an injunction to continue operating after its lease expired on its own terms last November. The company has none of the state or federal permits that are necessary to continue operating the commercial business in a coastal estuary.

Johanna Wald, senior counselor with the Natural Resources Defense Council, issued the following statement:

“Today’s decision is another affirmation of the principle that ‘a deal is a deal.’ The preservation of Drakes Estero will be enjoyed by millions of Californians and lovers of wilderness and parks for generations to come. We’re grateful to the Appeals Court for their strong decision to protect our precious natural resources.” 

Background:

Read court’s ruling: http://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2013/09/03/13-15227.pdf

Point Reyes’ Drakes Estero Becomes First Marine Wilderness Area on West Coast:

http://www.nrdc.org/media/2012/121129a.asp

Time for Secretary Salazar to Save California's First Marine Wilderness Area

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tom-kiernan/time-for-secretary-salazar_b_2117230.html

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