Biden Establishes Two National Monuments in California

In a significant move to preserve natural and cultural heritage, President Joe Biden announced the creation of two new national monuments in California.

The Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in Northern California will collectively protect 848,000 acres of land, much of it holding historical and ecological importance for indigenous tribes.

This announcement marks one of the final conservation measures by the Biden administration before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.

The White House highlighted Biden’s legacy in conservation, noting that he has protected more lands and waters than any previous president.

The Chuckwalla National Monument spans 624,000 acres where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge. It features diverse landscapes, including mountain ranges, vibrant rock formations, woodlands, and Painted Canyon, known for its strikingly colorful walls.

The monument is home to a wide array of wildlife, such as the northern spotted owl, the Cascades frog, and the long-toed salamander. Additionally, the lands hold deep significance for indigenous groups, including the Pit River Tribe and the Modoc peoples.

The Sáttítla Highlands National Monument encompasses 224,000 acres in Northern California, featuring the dormant Medicine Lake Volcano. Its volcanic landscape includes craters, lava tubes, and portions of the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath National Forests.

Like Chuckwalla, this monument also protects critical habitats for the northern spotted owl, Cascades frog, and long-toed salamander. The area holds cultural and spiritual significance for the indigenous Pit River Tribe and Modoc peoples.

The White House emphasized that these designations will protect vital ecosystems, preserve clean water sources, honor tribal heritage, and enhance public access to natural areas.

“These monuments reflect our commitment to protecting the environment and respecting the deep cultural ties many communities have with these lands,” the administration stated.

During his presidency, Biden has created ten new national monuments and expanded protections for five others, including three that had been reduced in size under Trump’s administration. These efforts have cemented Biden’s legacy as a champion for environmental conservation.

Most recently, he barred oil and gas drilling along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, further solidifying his administration’s focus on climate and preservation.

As the Biden administration concludes, the establishment of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands National Monuments underscores a lasting commitment to environmental stewardship, tribal recognition, and public access to America’s natural treasures.