Release Date: September 25, 2023
Media Contact: Emily Thompson, Em************@pr********.org
Coalition Supports Chuckwalla National Monument and Joshua Tree National Park Expansion
Elected officials and local community leaders have launched a campaign urging President Biden to use the Antiquities Act to designate Chuckwalla National Monument and protect lands adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park.
“The designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument will help to safeguard over 600,000 acres of desert land that serves as habitat for incredible biodiversity,” says Mike Murray, Chair of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks. “This designation will also protect a number of historic sites and resources and preserve a cultural landscape that is significant for numerous Tribes.
We also strongly support the additional protection of approximately 17,000 acres of land adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park. This would connect to the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument and help protect spaces of natural, cultural, and historic significance.
The monument designation and expansion of Joshua Tree National Park will help to join standalone ‘islands’ of public lands, thus protecting important habits and migration corridors for several species impacted by climate change.
We urge President Biden to continue to work towards his pledge to protect 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030 and act swiftly to designate Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park.