Administration Designates Two New National Monuments in California

Chuckwalla National Monument. Photo credit: Joshua Jackson

Today, President Biden announced the designation of two national monuments in California, Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument.

The two monument designations will permanently conserve these incredible landscapes, safeguard sacred cultural sites, protect critical biodiversity and habitat; and expand outdoor recreation access for current and future generations. These protections also bring the state and the country closer to meeting its goals to protect 30 percent of land and water before 2030 to address climate change. The designation will honor Tribal sovereignty and support the priorities of Tribal Nations who still reside in the area. The two national monuments are part of living landscapes that hold spiritual significance and both interconnected cultural and natural resources that continue to sustain the well-being and survival of Indigenous peoples today. 

Outdoor Alliance and our Outdoor Alliance California network in particular has worked hard over the past few years to support the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument, bringing together and uplifting the local outdoor recreation community to advocate for greater protections for the region.

The Chuckwalla National Monument will permanently protect 660,000 acres of public lands including open spaces for eastern Coachella Valley families and communities to enjoy such as popular trails and places of interest like Painted Canyon and Box Canyon in the Mecca Hills area, Corn Springs Campground, and the Bradshaw Trail. Chuckwalla National Monument has received widespread support from congressional members, Tribal leaders, and the outdoor recreation community.

The designation of Sáttítla National Monument preserves another 206,000 acres of public lands and waters in Northern California near Mount Shasta in the Medicine Lake Highlands. The Pit River Tribe has been leading this effort for more than three decades and today’s designation ensures the protection of cultural and historical sites, the headwaters for California’s water supply, and outdoor recreation access.

"Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to see the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument. Today’s designations expand protections for some of California’s most popular outdoor landscapes. We are grateful for the work of Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, and Governor Newsom, and are especially grateful to the Biden administration for their commitment to conservation and communities,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance.

"Today’s designation of Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument is a win for the California outdoor recreation community. These monuments safeguard sites of sacred, cultural, and historic significance; protect critical biodiversity and habitat; and expand outdoor recreation access for current and future generations to these special places. Outdoor Alliance is grateful to Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom, and the Biden administration for protecting places that matter to the outdoor recreation community and to California,” said Katie Hawkins, California Program Director for Outdoor Alliance.

Katie Goodwin, Western Regional Director at Access Fund, shared, “Access Fund appreciates the work and commitment of Tribal leaders, Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, and Governor Newsom, to protect the unique landscapes of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla National Monument. These monuments will safeguard sacred, cultural, and historic sites and protect critical habitat and biodiversity. The monument will ensure these lands remain accessible, enjoyable, and protected for current and future generations.”

"We appreciate the tireless efforts of the advocates and tribal leaders who have worked to protect special places like Chuckwalla, and thank Senator Padilla, Congressman Ruiz, and the Biden Administration for taking action,” said Steve Messer, President of California Mountain Biking Coalition.“ We also appreciate the Pit River Tribe’s advocacy for Sáttítla National Monument in the Medicine Lakes area in far Northern California. These designations not only support California's 30x30 conservation goals but can also support local economies, enhance opportunities for recreation, and ensure these lands remain accessible, enjoyable, and protected for future generations. They also respect tribal sovereignty, and will ensure the continued cultural stewardship practices by the original stewards of these lands." 

“Winter Wildlands Alliance is grateful to see another successful effort to preserve and protect lands in California with the adoption of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla National Monument. We extend our gratitude to Senator Padilla and Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom and the Biden administration for supporting these critical efforts, moving us closer to our 30x30 goals. Protecting the unique landscapes throughout California, from the mountains to the desert, is crucial to preserving biodiversity and providing equitable access to our public lands,” saidMegan Fiske, California Stewardship Manager at Winter Wildlands Alliance.

“The dedication of the Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument demonstrates a much needed commitment to preserving healthy ecosystems and safeguarding natural spaces from the mountains to the sea. We commend Senator Padilla, Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom, and the Biden Administration for their leadership in making this designation a reality,” saidJennifer Savage, California Policy Associate Director at Surfrider Foundation.

“American Whitewater is thrilled to see the designation of both the Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument in California. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment of Senator Padilla and former Senator Butler, Representative Ruiz, Governor Newsom and the Biden administration to conserve these natural landscapes for future generations, “ said Theresa L. Lorejo-Simsiman, California Stewardship Director at American Whitewater.