COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY

COMMITTEE ON RULES AND ADMINISTRATION

SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE

United States Senate

WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0504

http:/feinstein .senate.gov

June 14,2001

Mr. Marshall Jones

Acting Director

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Department of Interior

l8th & C Street NW

Washington, D.C. 20240

Dear Director Jones:

I am writing regarding the proposed Mann Baylands Wildlife Refuge and the uncertainty this proposal appears to be creating locally.

In recent weeks, the mayor of San Rafael as well as individual constituents and landowners have contacted me to raise concerns regarding the Mann Baylands Wildlife Refuge planning study now underway by US Fish and Wildlife Service. Specific concerns have been raised that the study includes lands the city intends to develop, as well as lands owned by individuals who are not inclined to sell their property. While I certainly support public land purchases to achieve environmental goals, I feel that it is only with few extraordinary exceptions that acquisitions should go forward without willing sellers.

It is my hope that US Fish and Wildlife Service will work closely with the City of Sun Rafael to address their concerns as the planning study is developed. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Please keep me informed of the progress made in addressing these local concerns and of the final study options selected.

With warmest personal regards.

Sincerely yours,

Diane Feinstein

United States Senator