Adding to his legacy of conserving more lands and waters than any President in history, two days ago President Biden signed proclamations creating the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in California. These two monuments together conserve 848,000 acres of lands in California and will protect clean water for communities, honor areas of cultural significance to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, and enhance access to nature.

Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument is President Biden's capstone action to create the largest corridor of protected lands in the continental United States, covering nearly 18 million acres stretching approximately 600 miles. The Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor stretches from Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southwestern Utah, to which President Biden restored protections in 2021; through Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona and Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, both established by President Biden in 2023; and reaches the deserts and mountains of southern California that are being protected with the designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument.

President Biden and Vice President Harris's record-setting environmental legacy includes conserving more lands and waters, deploying more clean energy, and making more progress in cutting climate pollution and advancing environmental justice than any previous administration. Following last week's actions to protect the East and West coasts and the Northern Bering Sea from offshore oil and natural gas drilling, President Biden has now protected 674 million acres of U.S. lands and waters.

Leaders from California and across the country applauded the announcement:

Elected Officials

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA)

"California is now home to two new national monuments that honor the tribes that have stewarded these lands since time immemorial. Thanks to President Biden and the leadership of California tribes and local communities, we're protecting 840,000 acres of some of our state's most culturally significant lands. This is a huge boost for our efforts to protect 30% of California's lands and coastal waters." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA)

"Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument is another major victory for safeguarding California's public lands for generations to come. This historic announcement accelerates our state's crucial efforts to fight the climate crisis, protect our iconic wildlife, preserve sacred tribal sites, and promote clean energy, while expanding equitable access to nature for millions of Californians. This designation reflects years of tireless work from tribal leaders to protect these sacred desert landscapes. President Biden has joined California leaders in championing our treasured natural wonders, and I applaud him for further cementing his strong public lands legacy." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA)

"Designating Chuckwalla National Monument is a victory for conservation, climate resilience, and expanded access to nature. I am glad these lands will now be protected for generations to come." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Congressman Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25)

"I am thrilled that President Biden has designated the Chuckwalla National Monument using the Antiquities Act. After years of negotiation and bringing several communities together, this achievement was made possible through the leadership and partnership of many organizations, tribes, and community leaders. Chuckwalla National Monument will pave the way for the future of conservation and renewable energy. I greatly appreciate Senators Padilla and Butler for their support and partnership over the last several years." [Statement, 1/07/2025]

Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA-2)

"Designation of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments is yet another win for Indigenous and community conservation efforts championed by the Biden-Harris administration," said Ranking Member Huffman. "The new Chuckwalla National Monument will protect sacred and ecologically invaluable lands that have been home to the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Serrano peoples since time immemorial. Likewise, Sáttítla, also known as the Medicine Lake Highlands, has been a spiritual center for the Pit River and Modoc Tribes for millennia. I'm grateful to the community leaders and elected officials that listened to Indigenous communities and worked tirelessly to protect these lands so that the ancestral homelands, cultural resources and traditions, and sacred sites of the region are protected for generations to come." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

James Ramos, Assembly Member, Serrano/Cahuilla Tribe and Chair of the California Legislative Native American Caucus

"The California Legislature expressed strong bipartisan support for establishing Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments by passing Senate Joint Resolutions (SJRs) 16 and 17 last year. These new monuments include lands long-valued and cherished by California's First Peoples for their cultural and sacred significance. I am glad to see these irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures join our nation's network of national monuments." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Casey Glaubman, Councilmember, Mt. Shasta City and Executive Director, Friends of the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

"As an avid explorer, runner, and lover of the outdoors, I couldn't be more excited about the designation of Sáttítla National Monument. This new designation will ensure that these treasured public lands will endure for future generations." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Waymond Fermon, Councilmember, Indio City

"Chuckwalla National Monument will help provide access to nature, protect places for outdoor recreation, boost our economy, and benefit businesses. In under an hour's drive, residents of my community of Indio can experience the beauty of the monument and explore nature close to home. National monument status ensures that places beloved for outdoor recreation are here for current and future generations to enjoy." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Evan Trubee, Owner, Big Wheel Tours and Councilmember, Palm Desert City

"I am thrilled to celebrate the new Chuckwalla National Monument. Protecting public lands here in the Coachella Valley will preserve the wildlife and beautiful landscapes that make our desert home unique. It will help ensure access to the outdoors for our local communities and protect the nature that draws visitors to Riverside and Imperial Counties." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Tribal Nations

Statement from the Tribal Council of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe

"The protection of the Chuckwalla National Monument brings the Quechan people an overwhelming sense of peace and joy. Tribes being reunited as stewards of this landscape is only the beginning of much-needed healing and restoration, and we are eager to fully rebuild our relationship to this place. This action is part of a greater movement around the country to reconnect Tribes to their ancestral homelands whilst ensuring they have the authority to guide management decisions with federal and state agencies. We, along with our sister Tribes, are dedicated to taking our spirit back, culture back, language back, and land back. This national monument designation cements into history our solidarity and collective vision for our peoples. While we celebrate, we also hold the truth that there is still much work to do to fully re-immerse ourselves as stewards within this ecosystem. The essence of who we are lies in the landscapes of Chuckwalla and Avi Kwa Ame. Every trail, every living being, and every story in these places is connected to a rich history and heritage that runs in our DNA. That is why we look forward to the day when we can celebrate adding the proposed Kw'tsán National Monument for protection, as well. Our Tribe believes that this effort is proof that Together We Progress. We extend a hand of immense gratitude to the Biden Administration, to our allies, partners, and communities that showed up to protect the Chuckwalla region. We thank you on behalf of the generations of today and for all our relations that will look after this land in the future." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Yatch Bamford, Chairman, Pit River Nation

"For generations, my people have fought to protect Sáttítla, and today we celebrate the voices of our Ancestors being heard. Sáttítla Highlands National Monument is a victory not just for Tribal Nations but for every American who understands the value of clean water, healthy lands, and preserving the true history of these United States of America. These designations demonstrate what is possible when we center Indigenous leadership and honor the deep connections between Tribes and their homelands. We thank President Biden for listening to the many diverse voices that called for this designation and for standing in solidarity with the Pit River Nation." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Erica Schenk, Chairwoman of the Cahuilla Band of Indians

"The Cahuilla Band of Indians strongly applauds the creation of the Chuckwalla National Monument. The area includes village sites, camps, quarries, food processing sites, power places, trails, glyphs, and story and song locations, all of which are evidence of the Cahuilla peoples' and other Tribes' close and spiritual relationship to these desert lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Darrell Mike, Chairman, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians

"Our histories, stories, trails, songs, and traditional knowledge are alive in these lands. The animals, plants, insects, canyons, mountains, and other natural features in this region are foundational components to our cultural identity and existence as Tribal people. To us, cultural and natural resources are inseparable. They connect us to our ancestors and sustain our livelihoods and traditional practices today. The biodiversity and cultural resources present in this proposed monument are worthy of robust and proper protections." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Robert Burkybile, Chief, Modoc Nation

"Modoc Nation shared the sacred landscapes of the Medicine Lake Highlands with the Pit River Tribe. Our Pit River neighbors refer to this land as Sáttítla; it seems the traditional Modoc word for this land may have been lost following the attempted extermination and eventual forced removal of the Modoc people from our lands. Modoc Nation celebrates the designation of our shared sacred land as a national monument, and looks forward to participating in a new land management planning process." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Brandy McDaniels, Sáttítla National Monument Lead, Pit River Nation

"We could not be more excited that federal leaders are hearing our call to protect these sacred lands. There has been overwhelming support for this monument, as demonstrated at the USDA's listening session recently. We have many diverse voices that are passionate about protecting what makes this region unique and following decades of defending our ancestral homelands, the Pit River Nation welcomes the news that our voices and the voices of our Ancestors are finally being heard." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Joseph DL Mirelez, Chairman, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians

"For thousands of years, the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians have called the lands in the Chuckwalla National Monument home. We are happy to see the designation protect this area that contains thousands of cultural places and objects of vital importance to the history and identity of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Amelia Flores, Chairwoman, Colorado River Indian Tribes

"The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) celebrates the permanent and long-term protection of ancestral lands and the cultural landscape through the designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument. CRIT has worked tirelessly to preserve and protect water, resources, and sacred sites. This designation clearly affirms CRIT's spiritual, cultural, and ancestral connection to these lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Jack Potter, Chairman, Redding Rancheria

"Redding Rancheria celebrates the designation of the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, and supports all Tribes working to protect their lands. Tribes revere our lands as historic places of learning and sacred practice. Just as other American cultures might seek to protect a historic church or university, tribal communities wish to preserve our culture by protecting the sacred land where we learn, heal, gather medicine, and honor The Creator. We thank President Biden for honoring and protecting our sacred space for generations to come." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Michael Madrigal (Cahuilla), Board President, Native American Land Conservancy

"The Native American Land Conservancy celebrates the creation of Chuckwalla National Monument. We are grateful to the many Tribal Nations that engaged in the effort and called for the preservation and stewardship of this cultural landscape. It is heartening to see more Tribal communities involved in public land issues in recent years. Indigenous people must be heard and actively involved in all spaces that discuss the management of our homelands. We will continue to support Tribal communities and their many efforts to preserve cultural, natural, and spiritual values which are the foundations of our existence." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Conservation and Climate Leaders

Gene Karpinski, President, League of Conservation Voters

"LCV is forever grateful for President Biden and Secretary Haaland's steadfast leadership and commitment to protecting our communities, climate, and sacred and treasured places. We are thrilled to celebrate today's designations of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments, and proud to support the Tribal and local leaders who advocated tirelessly to make them happen. These monuments protect and honor living landscapes that are rich in cultural, recreational, and ecological resources that continue to sustain the well-being and survival of Indigenous peoples today. Sáttítla Highlands National Monument offers protections for a unique volcanic landscape which is home to critical water resources for millions of people, as well as agriculture and fish populations, and Chuckwalla National Monument provides a poignant example of how clean energy and conservation practices can coexist to simultaneously tackle the climate crisis and build climate resilience." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Ben Jealous, Executive Director, Sierra Club

"Our public lands tell the history of America. They must be protected for us to learn from, and to be enjoyed and explored, for this generation and those to come. Throughout his time in office, President Biden has not only recognized that, he has acted with urgency. Today, the Sierra Club celebrates President Biden's bold actions to, once again, protect and preserve America's natural and cultural resources. From the ecologically rich Chuckwalla deserts in the south to the primordial network of Sáttítla aquifers in the north to the fragile habitats and ecosystems of the southwest, communities and wildlife will continue to benefit from the clean water, protected landscapes and more equitable access to nature these monuments preserve. For years, Tribes and Indigenous voices have called for these landscapes to be protected. As he has throughout his presidency, President Biden answered those calls. Each new national monument adds a chapter to the story our public lands tell. We must continue the work to expand that story, protect the lands and waters that make this country special and preserve the historical, cultural and spiritual connections the original stewards of these landscapes continue to have with these places." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Dr. Elizabeth Gray, CEO, National Audubon Society

"We are grateful that the administration has heeded the call of thousands of Californians to protect our fragile deserts. This historic designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument not only ensures the preservation of the area's rich biodiversity but also provides a critical sanctuary in addressing the climate crisis and supports the livelihoods of underserved communities. The expansion of protected areas underscores our commitment to collaborative habitat conservation, emphasizing partnerships with Indigenous peoples and local communities. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the administration and California's congressional leadership in conserving these irreplaceable lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Nicole Gentile, Senior Director of Conservation, Center for American Progress

"These designations honor the culture, history, and conservation efforts of numerous Tribes while safeguarding culturally and environmentally rich landscapes from the threat of large-scale development. Chuckwalla National Monument protects some of the most connected, diverse, and rare ecosystems in the West. At the same time, the new monument broadens access to nature for people across southwestern California. President Biden committed to protecting nature and prioritizing environmental justice, and these designations help him do just that. With just a few weeks left in his term, designating these monuments helps to solidify his legacy as one of the country's greatest conservation presidents." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Theresa Pierno, President and CEO, National Parks Conservation Association

"Chuckwalla National Monument is a cornerstone in a vast network of protected landscapes across the Southwest. Stretching from Joshua Tree to the Grand Canyon to Bears Ears, this corridor forms the largest swath of protected lands in the continental U.S. This designation protects an extraordinary stretch of the California desert, preserving a landscape shaped by millennia for those who find inspiration in the timeless beauty of our national parks. This 18-million-acre corridor links the Mojave Desert to the Colorado Plateau, providing safe migration routes for wildlife like the iconic desert bighorn sheep and ensuring clean water flows through the Colorado River and its tributaries. It protects sacred sites central to Tribal nations for countless generations, and welcomes millions of visitors each year, inspiring exploration and bringing lasting economic strength to surrounding communities. NPCA has been proud to work locally and nationally for decades to preserve the extraordinary landscapes in the California desert and beyond." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

David Seabrook, Interim President, The Wilderness Society

"The significance of the dual designations of Sáttítla Highlands and Chuckwalla National Monuments in California is as enormous as the state itself-from the cool, northern headwaters of Medicine Lake Highlands to the Joshua Tree desert refuge in the south. These connected landscapes are crucial for both human and wildlife communities alike. We applaud President Biden for taking meaningful action to safeguard these culturally and ecologically unique regions and for listening to Tribal and local community members who have called for their protection so that their connections to this land last for future generations." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Raisa Lee, Senior Director of Development, Clearway Energy Group

"Chuckwalla National Monument is a testament to the reality that conservation and clean energy progress go hand in hand. We are grateful to Senator Padilla and Representative Ruiz for their tireless and collaborative work to protect biological and cultural areas while helping meet the nation's growing demand for reliable, low-cost energy." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Adam Cramer, CEO, Outdoor Alliance

"Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to see the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument. Today's designations expand protections for some of California's most popular outdoor landscapes. We are grateful for the work of Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, and Governor Newsom, and are especially grateful to the Biden administration for their commitment to conservation and communities." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Katie Goodwin, Western Regional Director, Access Fund

"Access Fund appreciates the work and commitment of Tribal leaders, Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, and Governor Newsom, to protect the unique landscapes of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla National Monument. These monuments will safeguard sacred, cultural, and historic sites and protect critical habitat and biodiversity. The monument will ensure these lands remain accessible, enjoyable, and protected for current and future generations." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Steve Messer, President, California Mountain Biking Coalition

"We appreciate the tireless efforts of the advocates and tribal leaders who have worked to protect special places like Chuckwalla, and thank Senator Padilla, Congressman Ruiz, and the Biden Administration for taking action. We also appreciate the Pit River Tribe's advocacy for Sáttítla National Monument in the Medicine Lakes area in far Northern California. These designations not only support California's 30×30 conservation goals but can also support local economies, enhance opportunities for recreation, and ensure these lands remain accessible, enjoyable, and protected for future generations. They also respect tribal sovereignty, and will ensure the continued cultural stewardship practices by the original stewards of these lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Megan Fiske, California Stewardship Manager, Winter Wildlands Alliance

"Winter Wildlands Alliance is grateful to see another successful effort to preserve and protect lands in California with the adoption of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla National Monument. We extend our gratitude to Senator Padilla and Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom and the Biden administration for supporting these critical efforts, moving us closer to our 30×30 goals. Protecting the unique landscapes throughout California, from the mountains to the desert, is crucial to preserving biodiversity and providing equitable access to our public lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Jennifer Savage, California Policy Associate Director, Surfrider Foundation

"The dedication of the Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument demonstrates a much needed commitment to preserving healthy ecosystems and safeguarding natural spaces from the mountains to the sea. We commend Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom, and the Biden Administration for their leadership in making this designation a reality." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Theresa L. Lorejo-Simsiman, California Stewardship Director, American Whitewater

"American Whitewater is thrilled to see the designation of both the Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument in California. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of Senator Padilla and former Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom and the Biden administration to conserve these natural landscapes for future generations." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO, Trust for Public Land

"The designation of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments in California marks an historic step toward protecting lands of profound cultural, ecological, and historical significance for all Americans. These monuments honor the enduring stewardship of Tribal Nations and the tireless efforts of local communities and conservation advocates who fought to safeguard these irreplaceable landscapes for future generations." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Jennifer Rokala, Executive Director, Center for Western Priorities

"With these proclamations, President Biden has secured his legacy as one of America's great conservation presidents. It's not enough to protect iconic landmarks and features-we must preserve the linkages between ecosystems and landscapes that support wildlife, clean air, and water that communities depend on. We thank President Biden for taking another big step toward achieving the national goal of protecting 30 percent of America's lands and waters, and for honoring and respecting Indigenous peoples' advocacy and heritage." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Eric Hanson, Chair, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers California Chapter

"As hunters and anglers, we understand the vital importance of conserving intact ecosystems for wildlife, habitat, and for future generations. BHA has long advocated for large-landscape conservation measures where hunters have a seat at the table, so we applaud President Biden's decision to establish a national monument where our North American hunting traditions can endure and where BHA and partner organizations can continue to roll up our sleeves to improve wildlife habitat on the ground." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Janessa Goldbeck, USMC Veteran and CEO, Vet Voice Foundation

"The Chuckwalla National Monument simply wouldn't exist without the leadership of Congressman Raul Ruiz. We're honored to have joined forces with Tribes, community leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, fellow veterans, and Congressman Ruiz's dedicated team to make this designation a reality under President Biden. This milestone is a lasting victory for all-veterans, non-veterans, and future generations." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Jamie Asbury, General Manager, Imperial Irrigation District (IID)

"IID was one of the early supporters of legislation by Congressman Ruiz to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument for its importance to the region. We applaud the announcement made today by President Biden to make this designation official." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Linda Castro, Assistant Policy Director, CalWild

"CalWild is extremely pleased that the Biden administration has heeded the call of six Tribal nations, hundreds of local small businesses, elected officials, historical societies, veterans, clergy, and other diverse interests to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument. After more than five years of work we are delighted to join these constituencies in thanking President Biden for protecting California's desert public lands for us and for future generations to visit and enjoy." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Dr. Jun Bando, Executive Director, California Native Plant Society

"The California Native Plant Society is thrilled and grateful to see these national monument designations, which have received overwhelming community support, give rare plant species a fighting chance for survival, and honor knowledges held by the land's original stewards since time immemorial. California faces the highest risks for species extinction in the nation, and habitat loss is the leading cause. Protecting intact habitat, like Chuckwalla and Sáttítla, is essential to stopping the extinction crisis and avoiding the worst impacts of climate change." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Lisa Belenky, Senior Counsel, Center for Biological Diversity

"I'm grateful the president designated these two national monuments, protecting rare wildlife, stunning landscapes and sacred lands in California for future generations. Chuckwalla National Monument includes lands sacred to native peoples and it's home to wildlife the Center has worked to protect for decades, including bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, desert kit foxes and the monument's namesake Chuckwalla lizards. The Sáttítla National Monument is a stunning landscape sacred to the Pit River Tribe that provides habitat for Pacific fishers and northern spotted owls. Protecting these lands also safeguards aquifers providing clean water to millions of people." [Statement, 1/8/2024]

Phil Francis, Chair, Executive Council Coalition to Protect America's National Parks

"We celebrate the designations of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument. The efforts to protect these landscapes were led by Tribes and broadly supported by elected officials, businesses, local community members, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Chuckwalla National Monument will safeguard hundreds of thousands of acres of desert land that serves as a habitat for an incredible amount of biodiversity, protect numerous historic sites and resources, and preserve a landscape that is culturally significant for many Tribes. The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument will help to protect lands that are critical to the protection of water and wildlife and sacred for the Pit River and Modoc Nations, as well as for surrounding Tribal Peoples. We thank President Biden for taking action to protect these lands for future generations." [Statement, 1/14/2025]

Chris Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Conservation Lands Foundation

"President Joe Biden's use of the Antiquities Act to protect Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments is the culmination of years of strong Tribal leadership, bipartisan collaboration and heartfelt advocacy from local communities, businesses and elected officials. Today's action honors Indigenous cultural connections, conserves vital habitats, expands outdoor access, and strengthens local economies." [Statement, 1/14/2025]

Laura Deehan, California State Director, Environment America

"These designations mean a brighter and safer future for California's wildlife and public lands. Thanks to Tribal leaders, local coalitions and our state and Congressional champs, our state has made a huge stride today toward safeguarding more nature. The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments are two of the most stunning and ecologically crucial regions in our state. The Chuckwalla National Monument is a perfect example of reconnecting nature. The region hosts one of the greatest densities of desert tortoises in the world and connecting their habitats will give these threatened tortoises better opportunities to survive and thrive. The forests and clear waters of the Sáttítla monument area will be a safe home for generations of bears, birds and fish; and the communities of northern California will have clean water for decades into the future. We are thrilled that President Biden, Secretary Deb Haaland, Secretary Tom Vilsack and other decision-makers recognized these stunning wildlife habitats and natural landscapes should be safeguarded." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

LD Delano, Board Chair, Great Old Broads for Wilderness

"Great Old Broads for Wilderness joins with the many conservation organizations, Tribal groups, and residents across the state of California in celebrating today's designation of Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument. Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California preserves the cultural heritage sites of five Indigenous tribes, supports a critical desert ecosystem, and provides recreation opportunities for historically underrepresented communities. Northern California's Sáttítla National Monument preserves and protects the ancestral homeland of the Pit River Tribe-and one of the most important sources of clean, cool groundwater for people and wildlife in the region-from potential development. We thank President Biden for using his authority under the Antiquities Act to preserve these special landscapes for future generations, and for his administration's commitment over the past four years to the conservation of our wild public lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Maite Arce, President and CEO, Hispanic Access Foundation

"The designations of Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttitla National Monument reflect the power of collaborative advocacy and the importance of protecting landscapes that hold profound cultural, ecological, and recreational significance. These designations honor the leadership of Tribal nations, and broad support from a coalition of advocates, including Latino communities who have long championed safeguarding these lands." [Statement, 1/7/2025]

Anna Peterson, Executive Director, The Mountain Pact

"Public lands lie at the heart of our communities, and we are thrilled that President Biden has provided permanent protections for two of the West's most priceless landscapes. Permanently protecting these sacred lands will not only honor long standing efforts to protect these lands from industrial development, but also ensures current and future generations can continue practicing time honored traditions on unspoiled lands. We thank President Biden for designating a Chuckwalla National Monument in the California desert. This new monument will protect important heritage values tied to the land such as multi-use trail systems established by Indigenous peoples, sacred sites and objects, traditional cultural places, geoglyphs, petroglyphs, pictographs, plants, and wildlife. Permanently protecting these lands will also help protect vast desert ecosystems and critical habitat for species like the chuckwalla lizard and desert tortoise, and migration corridors for desert bighorn sheep. We also thank the President for hearing the calls from the Pit River Tribe and designating a Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in Northern California. This culturally significant, geologically unique, and life-sustaining region is critical for the health of the Californians who rely on Sátíttla as a source of fresh drinking water, and for the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial. Public lands contribute to our local economies, shape our culture, and give our communities the opportunity to connect with nature. At a time when climate change is already threatening so many of the lands in California that sustain life and connect so many people to their cultural heritage, it is of utmost importance that we do everything in our power to protect the places that hold such ecological, biological, and cultural significance." [Statement, 1/14/2025]

###

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.