The move follows calls from tribal nations, Indigenous community leaders and others for the permanent protection of nearly 120,000 acres of important cultural and environmental land.
President Joe Biden on Thursday expanded two national monuments in California following calls from tribal nations, Indigenous community leaders and others for the permanent protection of nearly 120,000 acres (48,562 hectares) of important cultural and environmental land. Against the backdrop of Biden’s reelection campaign, the White House emphasized the role of Vice President Kamala Harris in ensuring protections in her home state.
President Biden expanded the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in Pasadena and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Sacramento following calls from Indigenous communites.
The president expanded Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument near Sacramento to include Molok Luyuk, or Condor Ridge. The ridge has been significant to tribal nations such as the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation for thousands of years.