Congressman Paul Cook’s plan to create the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday as part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Co-sponsored with California Rep, “Buck” McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, the legislation which now goes to the Senate, would designate the area north of Morongo Basin as the Johnson Valley National OHV Recreation Area maintaining it specifically for recreational uses, including but not limited to off-highway vehicles, camping, and hiking. U.S. Marine Corps activities would be permitted twice annually and would not include explosives that could be left behind. If passed by the Senate, the bill will move to the President’s desk for his signature before becoming law.
