Rancho Mirage, CA – Local leaders, Tribal representatives, and conservation advocates kicked off October with the grand opening of the new REI Co-op in Rancho Mirage. The event underscored REI’s call for President Biden to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument, a crucial step in strengthening California’s outdoor economy while helping reach California’s and the country’s 30×30 goals.

“Supporting Chuckwalla is much more than preserving a landscape. A Chuckwalla National Monument designation would be a significant investment in the future of outdoor recreation, and have a great impact on the people, businesses, and communities that depend on it. Advocating for its protection will safeguard a haven for outdoor enthusiasts while ensuring sustainable economic growth for years to come,” said Greg Mellinger, REI Regional Director of Southern California, who recently penned an op ed in support of the campaign.

The store event featured live music, tabling from local nonprofits, and fundraising activities to support the Cactus to Clouds Institute. Guests emphasized that protecting Chuckwalla will enhance recreational opportunities and economic benefits for the local community. 

“Designating the Chuckwalla National Monument goes beyond conserving national lands. I have seen firsthand as a resident and emergency medicine physician the impact that time outdoors has on individuals’ physical and mental health,” said Rep. Dr. Raul Ruiz MD (CA-25). “I am proud of the partnership with REI to help grow our local economy and improve access to outdoor activities for locals and tourists.” 

Congressman Raul Ruiz (D, CA-25) attended the grand opening ceremony, reiterating his long-standing support for Chuckwalla. Earlier this year, Congressman Ruiz alongside U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) led members of the California congressional delegation in a joint letter to President Biden urging him to use the Antiquities Act to designate the proposed monument. Representative Ruiz also re-introduced legislation in support of this same goal. 

Designating Chuckwalla National Monument would also honor a cultural landscape with interconnected cultural, natural, and spiritual significance, as well as honor Tribal sovereignty by introducing methods for Tribes to co-steward their homelands as partners with federal agencies. The lands proposed for protection include the homelands of the Iviatim, Nüwü, Pipa Aha Macav, Kwatsáan, and Maara’yam peoples, also known as the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mohave (CRIT Mohave), Quechan, and Serrano nations. 

The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument includes approximately 627,000 acres of public lands. It is located south of Joshua Tree National Park and reaches from the Coachella Valley region in the west to near the Colorado River in the East. This effort also proposes protecting approximately 17,000 acres of public lands in the Eagle Mountains adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. 

The designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument by President Biden would cement his legacy as a public lands champion. To date, President Biden has designated five new national monuments and expanded two, protecting over 1.6 million acres of public lands using the Antiquities Act. By designating the Chuckwalla National Monument, President Biden can solidify an immense conservation achievement: protecting the most public lands using the Antiquities Act of any recent president in their first four years in office.

To learn more about this effort visit www.protectchuckwalla.org. 

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About the Protect CA Deserts Coalition

Protect CA Deserts is a coalition of local, regional, and national organizations working together on the historic opportunity to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park. This will help ensure access to nature for local residents and visitors, protect unique biodiversity, safeguard the desert’s rich history, and honor the cultural landscape of the Iviatim, Nüwü, Pipa Aha Macav, Kwatsáan, and Maara’yam peoples, also known as the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mohave (CRIT Mohave), Quechan, and Serrano nations. For more information, visit protectchuckwalla.org.