President Joe Biden has increased the size of two national monuments in California. This decision came after tribal nations, Indigenous community leaders, and others requested the permanent protection of around 120,000 acres (48,562 hectares) of culturally and environmentally significant land.
The designations are a part of the Democratic president’s “America the Beautiful” initiative. This initiative was launched in 2021 to fulfill Biden’s campaign promises and is an extension of the Great American Outdoors Act. The White House said in a news release that these efforts are focused on honoring tribal heritage, meeting federal goals to conserve 30% of public lands and waters by 2030, and addressing climate change.
During Biden’s reelection campaign, the White House highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ responsibility in safeguarding protections in her home state. California also has goals for conserving resources.
“These expansions will make it easier for people to enjoy nature, support our outdoor economy, and recognize the importance of areas to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples. We are committed to protecting our public lands for all Americans and future generations,” Harris said in a written statement.
Some Republicans and other critics of the president’s initiative believe that it is unnecessary and uses up resources that could be important for agriculture and other purposes. They claim that in certain situations, he has gone beyond what is allowed by law. The president has taken actions to restore monuments or conservation land that were previously canceled by former Republican President Donald Trump.
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In Pasadena, a city in Southern California, President Biden increased the size of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This decision was influenced by requests from Indigenous peoples, specifically the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians. Advocates mentioned in a separate news release that both groups are the original stewards of the culturally rich and diverse lands.
The president expanded Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Sacramento, Northern California, to include Molok Luyuk, also known as Condor Ridge. The ridgeline, which has recently been given a new name, has been very important to tribal nations like the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for many centuries. Advocates said that it is a central site for religious ceremonies and used to be important for key trading routes.
The expansion of both sites allows more Californians to easily access nature, while also protecting various species such as black bears, mountain lions, and tule elk, according to a statement from the White House.
People in California are asking the Biden administration to designate a total of five monuments this year. Three other proposals are being discussed. These include creating a new Chuckwalla National Monument, establishing a new Kw’tsán National Monument, and advocating for the protection and recognition of Sáttítla, also known as the Medicine Lake Highlands, as a national monument.
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The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows the president to protect cultural and natural resources on Federal lands that have historic or scientific importance. This includes making expansions and designations. The Department of the Interior oversees these efforts.
Many tribes and conservation groups from all over the country have been asking Biden to make several other designations in the past three years. The White House announced that the administration has created or expanded seven national monuments, restored protections for three others, and taken additional actions.
Last August, President Biden signed a national monument designation called Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni outside Grand Canyon National Park. The top two Republicans in Arizona’s Legislature are currently opposing this decision.
In 2021, President Biden reinstated two large national monuments in Utah and a marine conservation area in New England. These areas had previously lost some of their environmental protections under the Trump administration. The decision was also taken to court.
The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, which is considered sacred by Native Americans in southern Nevada, was established in 2023. At the same time, the Castner Range in El Paso, Texas, was also designated as a national monument.
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