On Tuesday, President Joe Biden was ready to make a big announcement about protecting more of America’s breathtaking landscapes. His plan? To designate two new national monuments, creating the largest stretch of protected land in the continental U.S. The White House shared that Biden would reveal the new monuments during a speech in Thermal, California. However, bad weather in the area, with dangerous winds and fire risks, caused the event to be postponed. The announcement will now take place next week at the White House.
So, what’s the big deal? Well, Biden’s proclamation would create two new monuments: the Chuckwalla National Monument in southern California and the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in northern California. Together, these two monuments will cover nearly 850,000 acres of stunning natural beauty.
Let’s break it down:
Chuckwalla National Monument
This one’s a game-changer! Located just south of Joshua Tree National Park, the Chuckwalla National Monument is part of the larger Moab to Mojave Conservation Corridor. This incredible corridor stretches nearly 600 miles, from southern California all the way to Utah, making it the largest protected land area in the lower 48 states.
The Chuckwalla Monument itself will safeguard 624,000 acres. This isn’t just about protecting the land—it’s about preserving the habitats for rare and endangered species. From the iconic desert bighorn sheep to the Chuckwalla lizard (which the monument is named after), these creatures will thrive in this newly protected space. It’s also a vital step in honoring the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Serrano Nations by protecting their ancestral lands and cultural heritage.
Sáttítla Highlands National Monument
Next up, the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument! This one covers 224,000 acres and is nestled in the heart of the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath National Forests. And get this—it also includes the dormant Medicine Lake Volcano, which is 10 times larger than Mount St. Helens in Washington!
This monument is just as crucial for preserving vulnerable species like the Cascades frog, the long-toed salamander, and the majestic northern spotted owl.
A Monumental Step Forward
These new monuments aren’t just about protecting land—they’re part of a bigger picture of historic conservation efforts. By using the authority granted under the Antiquities Act, Biden’s administration is taking a bold step to preserve our natural heritage for generations to come. This is in stark contrast to the actions of former President Trump, who reduced the size of several national monuments during his time in office.
This announcement comes right after Biden made another big move—a ban on future oil and gas drilling across 625 million acres of U.S. coastline, which includes areas off the East Coast, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast.
Why Does This Matter?
It’s simple. These new national monuments ensure that rare species, precious landscapes, and the cultural significance of these lands are protected forever. It’s a huge win for conservation—and for all of us who want to keep America’s wild places wild.
What do you think about these new protections? Let us know in the comments below!
