WASHINGTON - The Senate has approved legislation to protect as wilderness nearly 55,000 acres of land around the Big Sur coast and in Pinnacles National Monument.

"This development is an important first step in our effort to protect the most important and endangered wild areas in California," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, a California Democrat.

The House passed the measure last week. It goes to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it.

The largest collection of new wilderness would be 34,840 acres in the Ventana Wilderness area of Los Padres National Forest. Canyons in this area provide a habitat for endangered condors. Stands of redwoods stretch skyward, and several creeks and rivers provide spawning ground for endangered steelhead.