Washington, D.C. — In an act of midnight marauding, the White House announced that it will eliminate two of the country’s national monuments–Chuckwalla National Monument and Sattitla Highlands National Monument–both in California. A fact sheet initially posted by the White House Friday, March 14, around 11:30 pm EDT indicated Trump signed an executive order "Terminating proclamations declaring nearly a million acres constitute new national monuments that lock up vast amounts of land from economic development and energy production.”  Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. “The administration knows that its policy to give away America’s public lands is wildly unpopular, which is why they’re acting like midnight marauders. People of all political affiliations love their national monuments and their access to them. Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands national monuments are some of the nation's most spectacular and culturally significant landscapes, and they were widely supported when they were designated last year. “Instead of respecting the years of strong Tribal leadership, bipartisan collaboration and heartfelt advocacy from local communities, businesses and elected officials, the administration’s action is a shameful insult to the Indigenous cultural connections, vital habitats, outdoor access, and local economies these monuments support. “There’s really no explanation for this other than this administration is trying to sneakily and greedily sell off the country’s public lands to the wealthy and well-connected, thereby blocking access for everyone else. It’s an attack that flies in the face of America’s ideals and the Conservation Lands Foundation will be unrelenting in our fight on the side of the people–85% of voters in the west–who support keeping public lands in the public’s hands.” ####

Earlier this month, some of our California staff joined Friends Grassroots Network (FGN) partner, the Piedras Blancas Light Station Association , to celebrate the Piedras Blancas Light Station's 150th anniversary!

Washington, D.C. — Today, President Joe Biden designated Chuckwalla National Monument in southern California and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in northern California, ensuring long-lasting protection for two extraordinary landscapes, safeguarding their cultural, ecological and recreational values for generations to come.  The Conservation Lands Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and expanding the National Conservation Lands system, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Today’s designation of Chuckwalla National Monument adds over 624,000 acres to the National Conservation Lands. It represents an important step forward in ensuring that these public lands—some of the nation's most spectacular and culturally significant landscapes—remain protected and accessible for all Americans to enjoy. Below is a statement from Chris Hill, Chief Executive Officer for the Conservation Lands Foundation, in response to today’s national monument designations: “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. “President Biden has now protected over 2.4 million acres of public lands using the Antiquities Act—more than any recent president in their first term. We commend the Biden Administration for recognizing the profound importance of public lands and waters in the U.S. to address the climate crisis and provide clean air and water, essential habitat for wildlife and plants, cultural continuity for Indigenous communities, and abundant recreational opportunities. “At the same time, we call on Congress to ensure the Bureau of Land Management has the resources it needs to steward Chuckwalla National Monument and other protected areas within the National Conservation Lands system. Proper funding is essential to managing the cultural and ecological resources that make these places so invaluable. “Public lands like Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments unite us across political and cultural divides, and reflect a shared commitment to preserving the lands and waters that we all depend on." “We look forward to continuing to work with Tribal Nations, our Friends Grassroots Network, local communities, and future administrations to ensure public lands remain a source of inspiration and resilience for everyone.” ####

On August 28, with overwhelming bipartisan support, the California Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolutions 16 and 17 in support of designating Chuckwalla, Kw’tsán, and Sáttítla National Monuments.

Humboldt, CA - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released its final plan on June 21, for how it will steward 382,000 acres of public lands in northwestern California. The long anticipated plan updates management direction for public lands in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama and Butte counties. These plans were last updated in the early 1990s. A diverse coalition of local advocates have been involved in the process for several years – BLM's draft environmental review began in 2016 and was put on hold until 2021– and praise the plan for increasing climate resiliency of the landscape and addressing wildfire threats in some of the state’s most prized forest lands and waterways. Statement from Jora Fogg, California Associate Program Director at Conservation Lands Foundation “Expanses of mountains, lush river valleys, rugged coastline, complex forest ecosystems and working ranchlands all require new innovative approaches to management especially in the face of the state’s climate crisis. This plan is years in the making and we’re thrilled to see the BLM carry out a planning process with meaningful local input and collaboration. “This historic plan recognizes the value of restoring and conserving our public lands while ensuring the public’s much needed access to nature. Public lands in northwest California are some of the most iconic in the state and BLM deserves a lot of credit for their vision to help keep them that way for future generations” said Jora Fogg, California Associate Program Director at Conservation Lands Foundation. Show your support at: Thank you BLM CA! ####

As we celebrate the perseverance and spirit of Black people in the United States this Juneteenth holiday, I reflect on what it means to promote equity, access, and public lands for communities of Black and brown people. Inspired by my father’s passion for bringing public services and park programs together, I pursued a career in parks and recreation more than a decade ago. Despite his example and my own experience in the parks and recreation space, it wasn’t until 2016 that I stepped out of my comfort zone to attend an event hosted by Latino Outdoors. I later was on-boarded as a volunteer and years later found myself as part of the National Support Staff. Through the encouragement of others, mentorship, and years of building my own learning, I feel like I can be in a position where I have the power to steward public lands and promote a more accessible outdoors for all. Not just be in the outdoors, but truly have a say in which lands deserve our care and attention, what communities should have a seat at the table, and how we collectively care for these special places moving forward. My story is not unique to our community. Green and open spaces are less likely to be accessible for people of color as are the career opportunities tied to them. This lack of access increases the inequities among the community and decreases opportunities for success. Decisions about green and open spaces are made for our communities instead of by our communities. One famous example of this is Central Park in New York City. The Park is now a place that is open and accessible to all, but it came at the sacrifice of a community of predominantly African-Americans known as Seneca Village. The Village had allowed many families to live in healthier conditions and to escape the racial discrimination often faced in the more densely populated downtown Manhattan. Yet, it was ultimately their health and financial well-being that was sacrificed to create the country’s first major urban public park. Here on the West Coast, proximity to nature has often been reserved for those with wealth and privilege. When communities were able to overcome the barriers posed by rampant and violent racism, the power structures very often bent to the racist outcries attempting to return things to the status quo. Bruce’s Beach in the city of Manhattan Beach, was an escape for many Black families who were not welcome at most of California’s beaches due to Jim Crow laws and practices. This natural oasis for Black communities didn’t last long, as city officials seized lots owned by Black families under the guise of turning the land into a public park. The lots were left undeveloped for decades until descendants and advocates were able to recover the properties. Our collective power and years of effort as a community allowed for justice and restitution to finally become a reality. Central Park and Bruce’s Beach are just some examples of the inequality communities have faced when it comes to access to nature and its benefits. Our communities continue to face hardships due to past and current systematic barriers. Over the course of the last several decades, local communities in Riverside County and the eastern Coachella Valley have suffered from extreme heat, air and water pollution, and limited access to nature. But like Bruce’s Beach, this year we have an opportunity to continue making changes to improve recreation access and how public lands in this region are managed for the benefit of our communities. Recently, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited with local residents, elected officials, and Tribal Nations to discuss the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, located between Palm Desert and Blythe along the I-10. The proposed National Monument will help ensure equitable access to nature for residents of the eastern Coachella Valley and other local communities. Permanently protecting nearby public lands, such as those in the Chuckwalla landscape, is an opportunity to ensure that these places are here for current and future generations to enjoy. Let’s continue to muster the courage I once found in 2016, to become engaged and create the seat at the table we deserve. Together, we can close the nature gap, create opportunities for economic growth, and restore the bonds with nature that have been severed by structural and systemic racist practices.

Coachella, CA - In a community meeting held today by the Department of the Interior in Riverside County, CA, staff from the Conservation Lands Foundation demonstrated support for designating the Chuckwalla landscape near Coachella Valley and Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California a national monument. “The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument has gained widespread support because Tribal leadership and dedicated local advocates have effectively shown the many benefits to people and nature for protecting this essential public landscape,” said Charlotte Overby, Vice President of Conservation Field Programs for the Conservation Lands Foundation. “The California Desert Conservation Lands of Riverside and Imperial Counties are the ancestral homelands of many Indigenous Tribes, essential to enhancing equitable access and recreational opportunities for local communities, and are incredibly rich in biodiversity and species that would benefit from the protection, including Chuckwalla lizards, desert tortoises, bighorn sheep, Sonoran pronghorns and migratory birds. “It’s also scientifically recognized as part of a significant carbon sink – important for slowing down climate change – and we urge the President to act quickly to designate Chuckwalla National Monument and protect this unique climate and biological community in the California Desert,” said Overby. Show your support at: Chuckwalla National Monument. ####

San Francisco, Calif. - Today, President Joe Biden designated Molok Luyuk (pronounced “Ma.lok/ Lue.yoke”) as an addition to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument near Sacramento, California and expanded San Gabriel Mountains National Monument near Los Angeles.  Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited Molok Luyuk in September and San Gabriel Mountains in September 2023. Today, the President honored his administration’s commitment to Tribal leaders, elected officials, businesses, recreationists, and local communities by expanding Berryessa Snow Mountain and San Gabriel Mountains National Monuments via the Antiquities Act. Below is a statement from Jocelyn Torres, Co-Interim Executive Director and Chief Conservation Officer for Conservation Lands Foundation, in response to the President’s action on Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument: “Today’s action by President Biden to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by designating Molok Luyuk honors efforts to safeguard sites of sacred, cultural and historic significance, wildlife and rare plant habitat, and outdoor recreation for current and future generations. “We are grateful President Biden heard the calls of Tribal leaders; federal, state and local governments; businesses; and advocates from Indigenous, outdoor recreation, conservation and many other communities to permanently protect this sacred landscape by use of the Antiquities Act. “The Biden administration has protected more than 4.6 million acres of lands sacred to Native communities by designating the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona, the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, and by restoring Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments in Utah. Expanding Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include Molok Luyuk builds on that legacy, while helping to meet the administration’s goals of protecting 30% of lands and waters in the United States by 2030. We look forward to continuing to work with his Administration, our Friends Grassroots Network, Tribal nations and elected officials to designate other places worthy of protection. “Molok Luyuk means “Condor Ridge'' in the Patwin language and is the ancestral home of the Hill Patwin people. Descendants of the Hill Patwin live here today as the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Kletzel Dehe Wintun Nation and the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians. Historic trails across Molok Luyuk linked these Tribes to each other and to the wider network of trade and cultural exchange throughout the region. Indigenous people from all directions have come to its springs for ceremonies and healing since time immemorial. “The public can thank President Biden and learn more about the importance of Molok Luyuk and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument at www.conservationlands.org/molok_luyuk.”

Today, California Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Ruiz introduced legislation to designate Chuckwalla National Monument in southern California.

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee marked up nearly two dozen public land, energy and natural resources bills, including five bills that will collectively ensure the protection of nearly 2 million acres of critical landscapes in California, Colorado, New Mexico and Oregon. Brian Sybert, executive director of Conservation Lands Foundation, issued the following statement following the Committee’s vote to advance these bills: “These bills, led by many of the biggest champions of nature in Congress, will protect vulnerable and valuable public lands and waters, safeguard the cultural continuity of Tribal Nations, and help rural economies thrive across the West. Most importantly, they have the support of local communities. We applaud the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for voting to advance the following bills: S. 636, the Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area Act , led by Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, protects more than 68,000 acres of public lands and 76 miles of the spectacular Dolores River. S. 1634, the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) Act, also led by Colorado Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, protects nearly 400,000 acres of public lands to ensure some of Colorado’s and America’s most iconic and historic places are preserved for the benefit of wildlife and local economies. S. 1776, the Protect Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act , led by California Senator Alex Padilla (and formerly led by the late California Senator Dianne Feinstein), protects more than one million acres of public wildlands and over 500 miles of free flowing rivers from the Los Angeles region to near the state’s northern border. S. 1890, the Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act , led by Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, protects 1.1 million acres of the most important and threatened places in the Owyhee Canyonlands, establishes a science-based grazing program, transfers lands to the Trust for the Burns Paiute Tribe and provides essential economic development investments for Malheur County. S. 3033, the Pecos Watershed Protection Act , led by New Mexico Senators Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Lujan, protects critical portions of the Pecos Watershed from mineral development and potential resulting contamination of this essential water source. We applaud all of the Senators who voted to advance these bills from the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, many with bipartisan support, and urge the full Senate to pass these bills as soon as possible.”

Woodland, Calif. - Today, U.S. Interior Department and U.S. Department of Agriculture held a public listening session on the proposal to add Molok Luyuk (pronounced “Ma.lok/ Lue.yoke”), to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument near Sacramento, California. Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Koi Nation, Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, local elected officials, and conservation and outdoor recreation groups are among the supporters to permanently protect the Molok Luyuk landscape. Below is a statement from Elyane Stefanick, California Program Director for Conservation Lands Foundation: “As a first-generation Chinese-Filipina, my family didn’t always feel welcome on public lands and Molok Luyuk and the Berryessa Snow Mountain are important to me because they’re accessible to the millions of people in the region and offer so many opportunities to experience nature. “Conservation Lands Foundation thanks the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service for hosting today’s public meeting where they heard overwhelming support from Tribal leaders, elected officials, and Northern California residents to protect the Molok Luyuk landscape. “We urge the Biden Administration to advance this locally driven and widely supported effort by using the Antiquities Act to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and safeguard sites of sacred, cultural and historic significance, outdoor recreation, and a critical wildlife corridor between the existing monument and other protected areas for tule elk, mountain lions, and black bears. “The landscape is the ancestral home of the Hill Patwin people, and their descendants live here today as the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Kletzel Dehe Wintun Nation and the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians. Historic trails across Molok Luyuk linked these tribes to each other and Indigenous people from all directions continue to come to its springs for ceremonies and healing since time immemorial. Protecting Molok Luyuk will honor and build up this history into future generations” ###

Los Angeles, CA - Yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service held a public listening session on a legislative proposal to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, where hundreds of local residents voiced their support. Below is a statement from Maricela Rosales, California Associate Program Director for the Conservation Lands Foundation, in response to today’s public meeting: “We applaud the Forest Service and the Biden Administration for hearing from local residents on the benefits of the proposed expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. “As one of the 18 million people who live within a 90-mile radius of the San Gabriel Mountains proposed monument expansion, I am in strong support of the expansion. I am one of 18 million who grew up daydreaming of the day that I would get to visit the San Gabriel Mountains. That became my reality at the age of 24 when I finally visited the monument, spending my visit exploring Eaton Canyon Falls, Inspiration Point, Millard Falls, and Chantry Flat with my little weenie dog Dali. This new venture was made possible because of its proximity and accessibility. The San Gabriel Mountains is where I began my journey of sharing the importance of protecting and expanding public lands in Southern California. “The Conservation Lands Foundation joins California elected officials, community leaders, and local residents in the Los Angeles region in calling on President Joe Biden to add 109,000 acres of public lands to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. “The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument expansion will help increase equitable access to nature, improve public health, conserve a critical drinking water source for residents, and address the climate biodiversity crisis, and honor the original stewards of these lands, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and Gabrieleño (also known as Kizh, Gabrielino, Tongva) Peoples.” The public can join the campaign and sign the petition to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument at sangabrielmountainsforever.org/takeaction . ####

Redding, California - Local advocates say a new Bureau of Land Management (BLM) draft plan for 382,000 acres of public lands in northwestern California has significant potential to expand conservation, increase climate resilience, and address wildfire threats in some of the state’s most prized forest lands and waterways. The long-anticipated plan will update management direction for the Arcata and Redding Field Offices that steward public lands in Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Trinity, Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama and Butte counties. These plans were last updated in the early 1990s. The BLM's draft environmental review began in 2016 and was put on hold until 2021. “We encourage everyone who cares about public lands to get involved in this important process,” said Ryan Henson, Senior Policy Director for CalWild. “Issues impacting locals include protecting places like English Ridge in Mendocino County that are sources of clean water and habitats for wildlife, enhancing recreational opportunities, and conserving cultural and historic sites important to Native American tribes. If you use and enjoy public lands in this region please join in this opportunity to be involved.” The environmental review from the BLM analyzes potential areas of critical environmental concern, wild rivers, protecting old growth forests, proposed prescribed fire and fuels management, and tools for managing lands with wilderness character. “Among the many areas of land the BLM manages in Shasta and Tehama Counties, protection and restoration of waterways and wild rivers are critically important to expanding spawning habitat for salmon and steelhead trout in this region and restoring wildlife habitat, especially for migrating fish and birds,” stated David Ledger, President of the Shasta Environmental Alliance. “We encourage the public to look at how the Northwest California Integrated Plan proposes to manage existing BLM parcels along important streams like the Sacramento River and Clear and Cottonwood Creeks. These places are worthy of emphasis during public comment.” “Public lands in northwest California are some of the most iconic in the state,” said Jora Fogg, Associate Program Director at Conservation Lands Foundation. “At the intersection of the Cascade Mountains and Sierra Nevada, the expanses of rugged coastline, complex forest ecosystems and working ranchlands all require new innovative approaches to management especially in the face of the state’s climate crisis. We are excited to see the BLM release a draft plan that recognizes the value of restoring and conserving our public lands while providing much needed access to nature. We look forward to providing feedback on this plan through the public process and encourage all Californians and public land supporters to do the same.” Today, the BLM is expected to publish formal notice of a 90-day public comment period, along with an announcement of public meetings in Arcata and Redding. Public comments are due to the agency by December 28, 2023. More details about the planning process and instructions on how to submit comments are available on the ePlanning website. ###

San Francisco, Calif. - Yesterday, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland visited Molok Luyuk (pronounced “Ma.lok/ Lue.yoke”), the proposed addition to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument near Sacramento, California. Haaland met with representatives from the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, Koi Nation, Pomo of Upper Lake Habematolel, local elected officials, the Conservation Lands Foundation, and other conservation and outdoor recreation groups who are leading the effort to permanently protect the Molok Luyuk landscape.  Below is a statement from Elyane Stefanick, California Program Director for Conservation Lands Foundation, in response to the Secretary’s visit: “We thank Secretary Haaland for her visit and interest in hearing from Tribal Nations and local communities on how protecting Molok Luyuk is necessary to safeguard sites of sacred, cultural and historic significance, wildlife and rare plant habitat, and outdoor recreation for current and future generations. “The Biden administration, with support from Secretary Haaland, has protected more than 1.5 million acres of lands sacred to Native communities by designating the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona and the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada. Expanding Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include Molok Luyuk builds on that legacy, while helping to meet the administration’s goals of protecting 30% of lands and waters in the United States by 2030. “Molok Luyuk means “Condor Ridge'' in the Patwin language and is the ancestral home of the Hill Patwin people. Descendants of the Hill Patwin live here today as the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, the Kletzel Dehe Wintun Nation and the Cachil DeHe Band of Wintun Indians. Historic trails across Molok Luyuk linked these tribes to each other and to the wider network of trade and cultural exchange throughout the region. Indigenous people from all directions have come to its springs for ceremonies and healing since time immemorial. “Adding Molok Luyuk to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is supported by Tribal Nations and Indigenous organizations, including the Yocha Dehe, the Kletsel Dehe, and the National Congress of American Indians. The tribes are a significant cultural and economic presence in this region and have pledged their assistance and resources to manage Molok Luyuk. The expansion is also supported by Lake County, the California Department of Natural Resources, and many conservation and recreation groups in California and across the nation. “We truly appreciate Secretary Haaland’s visit. We hope she leaves the landscape inspired and carries forward the message that Tribes and local communities share: Molok Luyuk is worthy of and in need of permanent protection.” ####

California - Today, the Conservation Lands Foundation joined members of our Friends Grassroots Network in California to launch a campaign calling on President Biden to designate Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park. Below is a statement from Maricela Rosales, California Associate Program Director for the Conservation Lands Foundation: “Designating a Chuckwalla National Monument is a historic opportunity to protect the California Desert region and provide wildlife habitat and landscape connectivity at a key moment in time when we need to aggressively advance our nation’s and California’s conservation goal of protecting 30% of public lands and coastal waters by 2030. “The proposed national monument would protect approximately 660,000 acres reaching west from the Coachella Valley region to the east near the Colorado River. Beyond supporting desert wildlife by connecting “islands” of protected areas, the proposal would help expand equitable access to nature for residents of the Eastern Coachella Valley, Blythe, and other local communities; honor Tribal cultural heritage by safeguarding a living and cultural landscape connected to the wellbeing and survival of Indigenous communities, including the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Serrano peoples; protect the desert’s unique biodiversity, like the chuckwalla lizard; and preserve our nation’s history. “These rocky mountain ranges, steep slot canyons, desert wash woodlands, and palm oases that make up the Chuckwalla are beloved for outdoor recreation activities and hold deep significance for our nation's veterans as they were used to train soldiers for WWII and are still used for missions today.” “In partnership with our local Friends Grassroots Network members, Californians, and Representative Raul Ruiz, MD, we are asking President Biden to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to designate Chuckwalla a National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park.” #### Learn more and add your name in support by visiting the Protect Chuckwalla website .