Tuesday will be a day of warm sunshine and jubilation for various groups and officials as the newest national monuments are created. These monuments ensure robust protections for tribal sacred sites, relics, historic military training grounds used by Major Gen. George Patton, critical habitats for migrating birds, endangered desert tortoises, chuckwalla lizards, and other species. This designation also promises increased tourism revenues and recreational opportunities for nearby Latino communities. Elizabeth Gray, CEO of the National Audubon Society, expressed gratitude for the administration’s response to Californians’ calls to safeguard the fragile deserts. The Chuckwalla National Monument designation not only preserves biodiversity but also aids in addressing the climate crisis and supports underserved communities. By preserving important sites for California tribes through the 1906 Antiquities Act, President Biden upholds the law’s original purpose, which aimed to protect archeological, cultural, and natural resources amid widespread looting of tribal lands. The creation of national monuments holds historical significance as many iconic national parks were initially designated as monuments. President Biden recently designated a new national monument, The Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, reflecting the commitment to preserve land around the park. Governor Gavin Newsom praised the protection of culturally significant lands through the creation of two new national monuments in California, thanks to President Biden and the collaborative efforts of tribes and local communities. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians and other Cahuilla nations welcomed the designation, highlighting the significance of protecting cultural sites and objects vital to their history and identity. Despite ongoing challenges such as relic theft and sacred site desecration, the establishment of these national monuments marks a crucial step towards preserving valuable heritage and natural resources.
Several new monuments are either being created or considered by President Biden to protect the homelands near the Colorado River, which include active worship sites and thousands of sacred relics. These monuments offer 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 goal.
The 200,000-acre Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California near the Oregon border is also sacred to tribes, serving as a spiritual center for the Pit River and Modoc Tribes. It includes mountain woodlands, rare meadows, and unique wildlife habitats. This area holds great cultural significance to the Pit River people, serving as a ceremonial site since ancient times. The monument, named after the volcanic ecosystem and obsidian flows found in the area, is considered a natural buffer against climate change and supports various ecosystems.
President Biden’s efforts to designate these monuments mark the culmination of a long battle to protect these lands. Area tribes have been striving for generations to regain control of their traditional homelands. The designation of these monuments aligns with Biden’s national goal of conserving 30% of U.S. lands and oceans by 2030. Efforts by members of Congress, including Rep. Raul Ruiz and Sen. Alex Padilla, have been instrumental in advancing the protection of these lands.
The Chuckwalla National Monument is another significant area that has garnered support for conservation and renewable energy initiatives. This monument will pave the way for balancing conservation efforts with energy development. The White House has ensured that existing and new infrastructure for energy use will still be permitted in designated areas.
Overall, these monument designations not only protect the natural and cultural heritage of these lands but also pave the way for sustainable development and conservation efforts.
Lake Highlands, spanning approximately 200,000 acres in Northern California near Mount Shasta, is poised to be designated a national monument by President Joe Biden. This marks Biden’s first visit to the California desert since taking office in January 2021. The president’s trip follows former President Trump’s rally near Coachella in October, where he criticized California’s policies and leaders.
Biden’s visit to the California desert comes almost a year after first lady Jill Biden headlined a Democratic fundraiser in Rancho Mirage. Previous presidents, including Eisenhower and Ford, have vacationed in the valley. Obama and Michelle Obama also visited Rancho Mirage several times.
Furthermore, Biden’s administration allocated $250 million in 2022 to restore the Salton Sea, a polluted lake near the Chuckwalla monument. Local tribes, cities, and organizations have expressed support for the monument, with Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee advocating for its establishment.
Trubee highlighted the valley’s delicate ecosystem and the potential economic benefits for nearby communities like North Shore, Thermal, Mecca, and Coachella. He credited Dr. Ruiz for his role in bringing together the coalition to make the monument a reality.
Authors of USA Today Climate Point, a weekly newsletter focusing on climate, energy, and the environment, are reachable at jwilson@gannett.com. Tom Coulter reports on the mid-valley for The Desert Sun and can be contacted at tcoulter@gannett.com. This article was originally published on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Biden to visit California desert, create new national monuments.
