San Gabriel Mountains (File Photo – JerryShots)
On Wednesday, Dec. 17, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-28) introduced the San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act of 2025, legislation that would designate 35,335 acres of protected wilderness and 20.2 miles of wild and scenic rivers in Southern California.
By News Desk
In the Senate, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced the Protecting Unique and Beautiful Landscapes by Investing in California (PUBLIC) Lands Act, a legislative package that includes identical companion legislation to Chu’s proposal.
“My district is fortunate to be home to the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains right in our backyard. But, as one of the most park-poor regions in the country, increasing access and expanding protections is critical,” Chu said in a statement. She cited years of work with community advocates and federal administrations to secure and expand protections for the region, adding, “Still, more work remains to protect the wilderness and rivers of the San Gabriels.”
Chu said she was proud to partner with Padilla on the PUBLIC Lands Act, which incorporates her bill, to preserve natural spaces and ensure continued public access for future generations.
In 2014, President Barack Obama declared 346,000 acres of the San Gabriel Mountains a national monument following advocacy from Chu. According to supporters, the designation increased awareness of local recreational opportunities, improved access, and expanded management resources, including the ability for the U.S. Forest Service to leverage public-private partnerships.
In 2024, President Joe Biden expanded the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument by an additional 105,919 acres to include the western Angeles National Forest. The expansion was followed by millions of dollars in new investments, including funding for new field staff, enhanced visitor engagement and interpretation resources, and trash and pollution mitigation efforts.
The San Gabriel Mountains’ rivers and natural areas provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, including the California condor, Nelson’s bighorn sheep, and the Santa Ana sucker. Supporters say protecting wildfire-prone landscapes and waters in the region is a key step toward long-term conservation.
“Our public lands and natural spaces are some of California’s greatest gifts,” Padilla said. He urged Congress to advance the PUBLIC Lands Act to protect access to green space for millions of Californians and to help mitigate wildfire risk and conserve natural resources.
Belén Bernal, executive director of the Nature for All Coalition, praised Chu’s efforts, calling the legislation “important next steps” in a decades-long vision to protect the San Gabriel Mountains. Bernal noted that more than 18 million people live within a 90-mile radius of the range and rely on the area for recreation, cultural practices, and time outdoors.
The San Gabriel Mountains, Foothills, and Rivers Protection Act of 2025 is endorsed by CalWild, The Wilderness Society, and the Nature for All Coalition.
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