Trump Administration Begins Privatization of Public Lands with Elimination of Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments
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.”
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Conservation Lands Foundation published this page in Latest News 2025-03-17 13:48:40 -0600
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