President Biden Designates Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments in California

CONSERVATION LANDS FOUNDATION APPLAUDS PRESIDENT BIDEN FOR DESIGNATING CHUCKWALLA AND SÁTTÍTLA HIGHLANDS NATIONAL MONUMENTS IN CALIFORNIA

President Biden’s use of the Antiquities Act honors Indigenous cultural connections, safeguards critical wildlife habitat and expands outdoor recreation access to local communities

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.”

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