San Gabriel Mountains (Photo – JerryShots)
On Thursday, May 2, 2024, President Joe Biden signed a presidential proclamation expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by almost a third… adding 105,919 acres.
By News Desk
The action to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which President Obama designated in 2014, will add 105,919 acres of U.S. Forest Service lands to the south and west of the current monument’s 346,177 acres. It will protect additional cultural, scientific, and historic objects; and it will expand access to outdoor recreation on shared public lands for generations to come.
The expansion includes the western Angeles National Forest —protecting the significant natural, cultural, and recreational resources in Southern California. The designation is one of two expanded national monuments in California, the Angeles National Forest in Pasadena and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Northern California.
“These expansions will increase access to nature, boost our outdoor economy, and honor areas of significance to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples as we continue to safeguard our public lands for all Americans and for generations to come,” Vice President Kamala Harris said.
Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released a statement including the following:
What a momentous day for Angelenos! Thanks to the passionate advocacy for many decades of a vibrant, diverse coalition of indigenous leaders, community activists, and nature-lovers across Southern California, President Biden has expanded the boundaries of the existing San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and protected more of a national treasure in our backyard.“
These expansions honor Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples by protecting sacred ancestral places and their historically important features, while conserving our public lands, protecting scientific features, including critical wildlife habitat and migration corridors, safeguarding clean water, and supporting local economies.
To better manage the high levels of visitation to this popular area, the Administration, alongside state and private partners, is also investing to improve outdoor recreation infrastructure, restore and protect resources, and increase staffing to create an improved visitor experience in the existing and expanded national monument.
That’s quite a picture. When I was growing up in San Gabriel (back in the olden days) the smog was so thick that I couldn’t see the mountains at all.