The Big Picture
President Joe Biden has announced the creation of two new national monuments in California: Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California and Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California. The decision aligns with Biden’s “America the Beautiful” initiative, aiming to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 while addressing climate change and preserving Indigenous heritage.
Why It Matters
The designations reflect efforts to protect cultural, ecological, and historical landscapes while empowering Native American tribes. They also reinforce the federal government’s commitment to environmental conservation and tribal sovereignty.
Monument Details
Chuckwalla National Monument:
Location: Southern California near Joshua Tree National Park, covering 624,000 acres.
Significance: Protects tribal cultural landscapes, rare wildlife, and military history sites.
Tribal Role: Local tribes will co-steward the land.
Advocacy: Initiated by tribes and conservation groups to preserve the desert region's natural and cultural heritage.
Sáttítla National Monument:
Location: Northern California near the Oregon border, spanning 225,000 acres.
Significance: A spiritual center for the Pit River and Modoc Tribes, encompassing woodlands, meadows, and rare plant species.
Advocacy: The Pit River Tribe led efforts for federal recognition.
Broader Context
Biden’s announcement follows other conservation actions under his administration:
Expansion of Monuments: In May, the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain monuments were enlarged.
Marine Conservation: In October, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was designated along Central California’s coast.
Tribal Land Management: Agreements like the Yurok Tribe’s collaboration with the National Park Service highlight increasing tribal involvement in land stewardship.
What Advocates Are Saying
Carrie Besnette Hauser, CEO of the Trust for Public Land, praised the new designations as “historic steps” toward protecting irreplaceable landscapes and honoring tribal stewardship. The Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe expressed that the Chuckwalla monument symbolizes healing and restoration.
Key Takeaways
These designations enhance access to nature, protect clean water, and honor tribal sovereignty.
By preventing drilling and mining on these lands, the administration underscores its environmental priorities.
The move reflects a broader shift towards addressing historical injustices and promoting an inclusive narrative of American history.
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