California — On the eve of the California Desert Protection Act’s 30th anniversary– a 1994 landmark law that established the first safeguards to protect these lands– a group of 47 local organizations and businesses focused on facilitating access to the outdoors have sent a joint letter to President Joe Biden urging him to use his power under the Antiquities Act to designate the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument in the California desert. The show of support adds to a growing coalition of diverse stakeholders including state and federal elected officials, faith and Tribal leaders, the business and LGTBQ+ communities, veterans, scientists, local cities and residents to protect this national treasure.

“We are proud to be part of the Protect California Deserts coalition because we firmly believe in the crucial opportunity to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park,” said Sendy Hernández Orellana Barrows, Conservation Program Manager of the Council of Mexican Federations in North America (COFEM). “The designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument will empower local community members to cherish moments with family and friends, forging unforgettable memories while hiking, camping, or gazing at the stars in these treasured landscapes close to home. This will enhance access to public lands, making them more available for all to enjoy. Furthermore, it would play a significant role in preserving the desert’s rich biodiversity and honoring the cultural heritage of the Iviatim, Nüwü, Pipa Aha Macav, Kwatsáan, and Maara’yam peoples.”

In addition to the cultural, historical, ecological, and scientific significance of designating Chuckwalla National Monument, the letter expresses the importance of the recreational resources encompassed within the proposed monument boundaries for visitors and residents far and near, especially for Eastern Coachella Valley, Blythe, and other surrounding communities. Some popular trails and places of interest that would be protected as part of the monument include Painted Canyon and Box Canyon in the Mecca Hills area, Corn Springs Campground, and the Bradshaw Trail.  

“The Mojave Desert Land Trust strongly supports the designation of Chuckwalla National Monument, inspired not only by the vital habitats it will protect but also by the connections it fosters between people and nature,” said Kelly Herbinson, Executive Director of the Mojave Desert Land Trust. “Establishing this national monument adjacent to the historically underserved communities of the Coachella Valley would enhance access to thriving, biodiverse landscapes, ultimately improving physical and mental health outcomes. Furthermore, this designation would build upon the historic protections established by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994, promoting greater access to nature, recreational opportunities, and landscape connectivity throughout the California Desert.”

The letter also highlighted how access to the proposed monument would help alleviate the gap people of color face in accessing wild spaces. According to a recent report from the Hispanic Access Foundation, marginalized communities including people of color, low-income communities, and families with children, are most likely to be deprived of the benefits that nature provides. Earlier this month, the California Environmental Voters in conjunction with CalWild and Friends of the Desert Mountains hosted a Pride kickoff event at Chuckwalla with members of the LGTBQ+ community and allies to reinforce the need for more inclusive access to nature for everyone and launched a petition which has nearly 590 signatures.  

“As Coachella Valley’s longest-running land conservation organization, Friends of the Desert Mountains (Friends) understands the extreme value and multiple benefits national conservation lands have brought to our community. Friends’ environmental education work includes east Coachella Valley students, families, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, veterans and first responders. We know that people have a desire to connect to the land, no matter their age, ability, identity or life experiences,” said Friends’ Board President Dr. Robert Reed. “Every person deserves equitable access to nature.” 

The release of the joint letter coincides with the 30th anniversary of the signing of the California Desert Protection Act (CDPA) of 1994, a monumental law championed by the late U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, which has paved the way for conservation efforts over the past few decades and shaped the trajectory of conservation advocacy across the state. The designation of Chuckwalla National Monument, along with the expansion of Joshua Tree National Park, would continue to build on the CDPA’s legacy, ensuring the protection of a “key building block” for landscape conservation in the California Desert. 

“For nearly 30 years, The Wildlands Conservancy has been a leading advocate for desert protection, ensuring that the Mojave Desert, along with other crucial ecosystems, remain a sanctuary for future generations,” said Jack Thompson, Desert Regional Director of The Wildlands Conservancy. “The passage of the landmark California Desert Protection Act, which we commemorate tomorrow, is the foundation upon which decades of conservation efforts have been built, including the campaign to designate Chuckwalla National Monument. We wholeheartedly support its establishment as it will further ensure that these wild spaces remain untamed, wild, and free for all.”

The designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the expansion of Joshua Tree National Park would cement President Biden’s legacy as a public lands champion. To date, he has designated five new national monuments and expanded two, protecting over 1.6 million acres of public lands using the Antiquities Act. By designating 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 read the entire letter, click here.

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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 protect lands adjacent to 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.