STATEMENT: National monument expansions will protect wildlife, nature

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden took action to expand two national monuments in California on Thursday, adding thousands of acres of additional land to the Berryessa Snow National Monument and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. 

The expanded Berryessa Snow National Monument is expected to include several thousand acres in Lake County. In 2023, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and U.S. Reps. John Garamendi and Mike Thompson introduced a bill that would expand the boundaries of the national monument and rename “Walker Ridge,” the land being put forward for the expansion, to “Condor Ridge” or “Molok Lyuk,” the Patwin name for the region. This area has spectacular views, hosts rare plants that only live in the soil there, and supports species such as tule elk, mountain lions and black bears. This wild space also provides fertile hunting grounds for birds of prey, such as golden eagles and the world’s fastest animal, the peregrine falcon. 

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu have led Congressional efforts to expand the San Gabriel National Monument by about one-third. The bill proposes including an additional 109,167 acres of the Angeles National Forest, which would provide a place for millions of Californians to enjoy nature close to home. 

 The president has the power to designate federal public lands, waters, and cultural and historical sites as national monuments under the Antiquities Act of 1906.

 

In response, Environment California Research & Policy Center’s State Director Laura Deehan issued the following statement: 

“Expanding these two monuments is a great first step by President Biden to protect California’s public lands; and a meaningful action toward the state, federal, and global campaign to protect 30% of our land and waters by 2030. 

“By permanently protecting these beautiful mountains and forests, we can ensure that Californians have more amazing places to enjoy nature. Additionally, local wildlife will be able to thrive, and awesome native California species such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, black bears and mountain lions will have a better chance of survival. 

“We thank President Biden for today’s actions and look forward to future actions to conserve more of California’s special places.”