President Biden is establishing two new national monuments in California, a move aimed at honoring tribal heritage and bolstering conservation efforts. The Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California and the Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California will protect vast tracts of land, totaling roughly 800,000 acres. The declarations ban drilling, mining, and other development within these areas.
These newly designated monuments align with the President's "America the Beautiful" initiative, a program designed to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. The initiative also addresses climate change and environmental protection. The declarations come as Biden's presidency nears its end.
Local tribes, notably the Pit River Tribe and various others in both regions, played a crucial role in advocating for these designations. Advocates highlight the monuments' potential to safeguard tribal cultural landscapes, provide access to nature for residents, and preserve historic sites.
The Chuckwalla monument, situated south of Joshua Tree National Park, is particularly significant for its potential to strengthen tribal co-management and sovereignty, echoing the model established by the Bears Ears National Monument. The California Legislature also endorsed the designation through a resolution.
This action complements recent conservation efforts in California. Previous announcements include the expansion of two existing national monuments and the establishment of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. Furthermore, the Yurok Tribe's recent return of ancestral land is a notable precedent.
The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla monuments' creation mark a significant step in honoring tribal lands and upholding conservation goals.
