Biden Enlarges Two California National Monuments, Honoring Tribal Heritage
Amidst his reelection campaign, President Biden has made a bold move, expanding two national monuments in California, protecting and honoring 120,000 acres of significant cultural and environmental lands. These designations align with his “America the Beautiful” initiative, aimed at conserving 30% of public lands and waters by 2030.
San Gabriel Mountains: Connecting Indigenous Roots to the Wild
In Pasadena, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument has expanded. This move was driven by the calls of Indigenous tribes, including the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. As the original guardians of these diverse lands, the tribes have witnessed the area’s rich history and cultural importance.
Berryessa Snow Mountain: Honoring Tribal Traditions
Moving northward to Sacramento, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument has enlarged its boundaries to include Molok Luyuk (Condor Ridge). This newly named ridge has served as a sacred site for thousands of years for tribal nations like the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. It was a pivotal location for religious ceremonies and once played a vital role in trade routes.
Preserving Nature for All
These expansions will not only protect these culturally significant areas but also enhance access to nature for Californians. The protected landscapes are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and tule elk.
Community Support and Conservation Goals
California residents have actively advocated for these monument designations, urging the Biden administration to take action. The expansions are part of a larger effort to preserve five monuments this year, including Chuckwalla National Monument, Kw’tsán National Monument, and Sáttítla (Medicine Lake Highlands).
Democratic Initiatives, Republican Challenges
These efforts fall under the Antiquities Act of 1906, empowering the president to protect cultural and natural resources on federal lands. Over the past three years, the Biden administration has made seven monument expansions or designations and taken other conservation measures. Arizona’s Republican legislators, however, are challenging one of these actions, the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument, located outside Grand Canyon National Park.
The expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monuments serves as a testament to President Biden’s commitment to honoring tribal heritage and protecting iconic landscapes for generations to come.
Data sourced from: foxnews.com
