Biden Establishes New National Monuments in California to Honor Native American Tribes
President Joe Biden is set to create two new national monuments in California, a move aimed at conserving U.S. lands while honoring Native American tribes. This initiative is part of the broader “America the Beautiful” program, which aims to protect at least 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by the year 2030.
The forthcoming proclamations will establish Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California, adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, and Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California, near the Oregon border. Together, these designations will prohibit drilling, mining, and any detrimental development across approximately 624,000 acres in Chuckwalla and 225,000 acres in Sáttítla.
These new monuments will provide essential protections for clean water, preserve areas of cultural importance for Indigenous peoples, and enhance accessibility to nature.
This announcement comes just as the Biden administration works to enforce stricter regulations on offshore oil and gas drilling in most U.S. coastal waters, including areas along the West Coast.
The establishment of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments fulfills longstanding requests from multiple Native American tribes and environmental organizations. The Sáttítla National Monument serves as a spiritual site for the Pit River and Modoc Tribes, featuring diverse ecosystems that support unique wildlife.
Advocates emphasize the significance of the Chuckwalla National Monument, which protects a vital cultural landscape and offers access to nature for local residents while preserving significant military history.
“This designation represents an historic step toward safeguarding lands deeply tied to cultural, ecological, and historical heritage of all Americans,” stated a representative from a conservation organization.
By creating these monuments, Biden recognizes the ongoing stewardship of Tribal Nations and the dedication of local communities working to protect these irreplaceable landscapes. Similar to recent initiatives like Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, Chuckwalla aims to incorporate local tribes as co-stewards of the land.
The Fort Yuma Quechan Tribe expressed their sentiments stating that this protection brings a sense of peace, emphasizing that restoring their role as stewards of the landscape is essential for healing.
Recently, the Biden administration also expanded the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain national monuments, and designated the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, assuring that local tribal input will be integral to preservation efforts.
In line with these efforts, the Yurok Tribe became the first Native group to manage their land in collaboration with the National Park Service, highlighting a significant shift towards recognition and support for tribal stewardship of natural resources.
