U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), one of the longest-serving members of Congress, and U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) the House Natural Resources Committee ranking member, recently met in Riverside County to discuss the Cleveland National Forest, federal land management, California’s water challenges and federal regulatory reform issues.
During the visit, Westerman and Calvert connected with the Cleveland Caretakers, a volunteer organization that improves recreational access to the Cleveland National Forest, according to a news release from Calvert's office. They also toured the forest with U.S. Forest Service personnel.
“I appreciate Rep. Westerman coming to my district and getting a firsthand assessment of the federal natural resource issues impacting my constituents,” Calvert said in the press release. “Riverside County and California have unique challenges when it comes to our water supply, resource conservation, and addressing the infrastructure demands that come with growth. We also have tremendous opportunities, like the Cleveland National Forest, which we need to take advantage of by expanding recreational opportunities and access.”
Later that day Westerman and Calvert met with local water officials to discuss the importance of the Colorado River to water and power supply in Riverside County, and then participated in a “Roundtable on Permitting Challenges to Infrastructure Development” along with Riverside County and city officials.
“I was so glad for the opportunity to join Congressman Calvert in his district this week to view firsthand the efforts to address deferred maintenance and public access restrictions in the Cleveland National Forest," Westerman said, according to the news release.
"I also appreciated the chance to participate in a roundtable with local authorities where they shared the permitting challenges they face when developing infrastructure," he added. "I commend Congressman Calvert’s advocacy for policies that strengthen the local environment and support his constituents’ livelihoods.”
Calvert was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and has represented the 42nd Congressional District since 2013 following redistricting, according to Ballotpedia.