photo credit: Bureau of Land Management
Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

The state Senate has passed a resolution encouraging the White House to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

North Bay Democratic Senator Bill Dodd wrote the legislation.

He says it supports proposals before Congress to expand the monument by 3,900 acres in Lake County.

"Both these measures would rename Walker Ridge to Molok Luyuk ... which means Condor Ridge in the Patwin language," Dodd said. "Additionally, they would also provide opportunities for partnerships between the tribes, Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service."

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument covers more than 330,000 acres of the Coast Ranges in Napa, Lake, Mendocino and four other counties.

"By expanding this national monument, we are protecting sacred tribal lands and critical habitat for wildlife and also improving access to the outdoors and helping to contribute to California's goal of protecting 30% of land and waters by 2030," Dodd said.

The land has abundant wildlife, plants and other natural resources, and is a haven for outdoor recreation.

Dodd's bill heads next to the Assembly.