Tuesday is anticipated to bring warm sunshine and joy to a broad coalition of groups and elected officials who have tirelessly advocated for the establishment of the newest national monuments. These monuments provide strong protections for tribal sacred sites, relics, historic military training grounds utilized by Major Gen. George Patton, critical habitat for millions of migrating birds, endangered desert tortoise, iconic chuckwalla lizards, and other species. They also promise increased tourism revenues and recreational opportunities for nearby working-class Latino residents.
“We are thankful that the administration has listened to the voices of thousands of Californians calling for the preservation of our delicate deserts,” stated Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society, one of many environmental leaders who commended President Biden’s actions. “The designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument not only safeguards the area’s diverse biodiversity but also establishes a vital sanctuary to combat the climate crisis and support underserved communities.”
By safeguarding sites of immense significance to California tribes through the 1906 Antiquities Act, President Biden is upholding the law’s original purpose. Enacted by Congress and signed by President Teddy Roosevelt to protect archeological, cultural, and natural resources at a time when the looting of tribal lands was prevalent, the Act has since been utilized nearly 300 times by U.S. presidents to preserve public lands and protect archeological resources.
President Biden recently designated a new national monument, The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, during his speech at the historic Red Butte Airfield near Tusayan, Ariz. This monument aims to conserve the land surrounding the Grand Canyon National Park.
Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his gratitude towards President Biden and the California tribes and communities for protecting 840,000 acres of culturally significant lands. He emphasized the importance of preserving these areas, which have been stewarded by tribes for generations.
Joseph Mirelez, the new tribal chairman of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, emphasized the significance of the designation, highlighting the cultural importance of the Chuckwalla National Monument to his tribe. The tribe, one of the nine nations of Cahuilla Indians, has deep roots in the region and values the protection of their ancestral lands.
Although theft of relics and desecration of sacred sites still pose threats, the designation of these national monuments represents a crucial step towards preserving these valuable cultural and natural resources for future generations.
Near the Colorado River, there are protected homelands with active worship sites and thousands of sacred relics. President Biden has either created or is considering several new monuments, providing an opportunity to uphold the religious freedoms of the native people of this land. Co-management of these new monuments by tribes is seen as crucial, and the White House has pledged to work towards achieving this.
The SáttÃtla National Monument in Northern California, near the Oregon border, covers 200,000 acres and is a significant spiritual center for the Pit River and Modoc Tribes. This area, known for its mountain woodlands, rare meadows, and unique wildlife, holds deep cultural significance as a ceremonial site for the Pit River people. The monument, named after the volcanic ecosystem and obsidian flows in the region, serves as a natural buffer against climate change and supports diverse ecosystems vital for fisheries, agriculture, and wildlife habitat.
The journey to protect these lands as monuments has been a broad-based effort involving generations of tribal advocacy to reclaim their traditional homelands. President Biden’s recent actions mark a milestone in this ongoing battle, recognizing the importance of preserving these areas for future generations. The designation of the SáttÃtla and Chuckwalla National Monuments aligns with Biden’s goal of conserving 30% of U.S. lands and oceans by 2030, while also balancing the need for renewable energy development in designated areas.
Rep. Raul Ruiz and other lawmakers have played a key role in supporting the creation of these monuments, emphasizing the importance of conservation and renewable energy initiatives. The Chuckwalla National Monument, in particular, signifies a step towards sustainable practices while honoring the cultural and environmental significance of these lands. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to hold her position, has been instrumental in advocating for the protection of tribal lands and promoting a more inclusive approach to land management.
Overall, the designation of these new monuments represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to preserve sacred sites, protect biodiversity, and uphold the spiritual traditions of indigenous communities across the country.
Lake Highlands, located in Northern California near Mount Shasta and spanning approximately 200,000 acres, is set to be designated a national monument by President Joe Biden this week. This visit will mark Biden’s initial trip to the California desert since taking office in January 2021. The president’s upcoming visit follows former President Trump’s campaign rally near Coachella last October, where he criticized California’s policies and leaders.
This planned trip to the California desert by Biden is significant, as it will be his first since becoming president. Notably, his wife, Jill Biden, was a keynote speaker at a private Democratic fundraiser in Rancho Mirage in March 2024, prior to Biden announcing he would not seek re-election. The valley has a rich history of presidential visits, with past leaders like Dwight Eisenhower and Gerald Ford vacationing or residing in the area.
Biden’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident through his administration’s allocation of $250 million in 2022 to restore the Salton Sea, a vital but deteriorating lake near the Chuckwalla monument. Local support for the monument designation has been widespread, with many tribes, cities, and nonprofits in the Coachella Valley endorsing it.
Evan Trubee, Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem and owner of a local tour company, has been a vocal advocate for the monument. He emphasized the importance of protecting the delicate ecosystem and species in the area, such as the desert tortoise. Trubee expects an increase in tourism following the monument’s designation, citing its unique location along the San Andreas fault line as an attraction for visitors.
Trubee commended Dr. Ruiz for his role in uniting various groups and facilitating the monument’s establishment. He expressed hope that the monument would bring economic benefits to nearby communities like North Shore, Thermal, Mecca, and Coachella by attracting more tourists and driving local spending.
Authors of USA Today’s Climate Point, a weekly newsletter focusing on climate, energy, and the environment, can be contacted at jwilson@gannett.com. Tom Coulter is responsible for covering the mid-valley region for The Desert Sun and can be reached at tcoulter@gannett.com. This article was originally published on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Biden to visit California desert, create new national monuments.
