Foundation News

New Proposal for California Desert National Monuments

 

After years of dedicated work from activists on the ground, California Senator Dianne Feinstein is seeking the support of President Obama to preserve three extraordinary places in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties as national monuments using his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906. A successful partnership between President Obama and Senator Feinstein resulted in the designation of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in 2014.

The three regions of the desert – Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains – each recognize geologically, ecologically, and historically unique sites. The Mojave Trails section encapsulates desert vistas and a historic section of Route 66; the Sand to Snow section connects the San Gorgonio Wilderness, Joshua Tree National Park, and San Bernardino National Forest; and the Castle Mountains section preserves pristine habitat for the golden eagle and large swaths of desert filled with native flora and fauna.

This area is home to many recognized tribal communities who have taken a communal leadership role on this project. Their continued leadership and partnership has created a unique and compelling movement that continues to gain momentum.

The Sierra Club Foundation is a major funder of the Sierra Club’s Western Permanent Protections Campaign, which is generating and mobilizing support for the proposed California Desert monuments. We are working to show President Obama that the proposed monuments have a widespread and diverse base of people who care about these lands for their cultural and environmental value and wish to see them protected for future generations to enjoy.

 

Category: News and Updates