“The designations of Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttitla National Monument reflect the power of collaborative advocacy and the importance of protecting landscapes that hold profound cultural, ecological, and recreational significance. These designations honor the leadership of Tribal nations, and broad support from a coalition of advocates, including Latino communities who have long championed safeguarding these lands.

“Chuckwalla National Monument’s 644,000 acres in the California desert represent an invaluable legacy of cultural heritage and natural resources supply. This designation ensures the protection of sacred landscapes revered by Native American tribes for thousands of years while also offering expanded and much-needed access to outdoor recreation areas where Latino families can bond, connect with nature, and celebrate traditions.

“The designation of the 200,000-acre Sáttitla National Monument near the Oregon border ends a decades-long threat of industrial development and is a profound step toward acknowledging and preserving the Pit River Tribe’s homelands and sacred cultural heritage. By safeguarding these lands, we not only honor Tribal stewardship but also protect a source of water for millions of Californians. This is also a critical victory for equitable access to nature and the preservation of healing spaces for nature-deprived Latinos and for future generations.

“These designations also underscore the immense local support, as evidenced by the coalition of Tribal leaders, elected officials, cities, businesses, scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and residents and Latinos who advocated for these protections. For Latino families, these monuments represent more than just preserved lands; they are an affirmation of the value of equitable access to the outdoors and of their culture, identity, and traditions.

"These designations bring us closer to achieving the goal of conserving 30 percent of our public lands and waters by 2030, bolstering climate resilience, supporting biodiversity, and providing countless opportunities for cultural and environmental education.”