Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments Designated in California: Statements from Trust for Public Land

Washington, D.C. — Trust for Public Land released the following statements regarding the Biden Administration’s designation of National Monuments that honor Tribal Nations in California.

Statement from Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO of Trust for Public Land on President Biden’s designation of Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla National Monument: 

“The designation of the Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments in California marks an historic step toward protecting lands of profound cultural, ecological, and historical significance for all Americans. These monuments honor the enduring stewardship of Tribal Nations and the tireless efforts of local communities and conservation advocates who fought to safeguard these irreplaceable landscapes for future generations. 

National monuments like Chuckwalla and Sáttítla play a vital role in addressing historical injustices and ensuring a fuller, more inclusive telling of America’s story. They stand alongside recent landmark designations—such as the Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon—as reflections of our nation’s diverse heritage and shared values. 

The widespread success of conservation-focused ballot measures in the 2024 election underscores this shared commitment: in states from Florida to Washington, voters approved over $16 billion for parks, climate action, and conservation, with support from Republicans and Democrats alike. Additionally, the bipartisan passage of the Explore Act—which includes the Outdoors for All Act—demonstrates growing recognition of the importance of equitable access to nature and the need to protect and enhance public lands. 

President Biden’s designations of these monuments and the administration’s leadership on conservation will span generations, inspiring efforts to protect and restore our natural and cultural treasures and expanding access to public lands. These achievements are rooted in the dedication of Tribal Nations, local communities, and advocates who have long championed a connection to land and the places we hold dear. Sustaining this progress will require ongoing advocacy, continued bipartisan collaboration in Congress, and a renewed focus on ensuring all communities benefit from these efforts. 

Trust for Public Land is deeply committed to this mission, and will continue to work with partners nationwide to ensure every community can experience the joys and benefits of the outdoors.” 

Statement from Dr. Ken Lucero, Director of Tribal and Indigenous Lands at Trust for Public Land: 

“Trust for Public Land applauds President Biden on the designation of the Chuckwalla National Monument and the Sáttítla National Monument. These two national monument designations protect landscapes that are of immense cultural significance to Native American tribes in the regions and carry ecological significance. These designations represent a powerful step toward preserving Tribal history and heritage across California. 

The Chuckwalla National Monument in southern California will protect 644,000 acres of land to the southeast of Joshua Tree National Park. In addition to protecting ecologically and culturally significant resources, the Chuckwalla National Monument will provide increased access to outdoor recreation for local communities. This designation received the support from seven tribes, the National Congress of American Indians, local governments, businesses, community organizations, and conservation organizations including Trust for Public Land. Since 2014, Trust for Public Land has worked with local partners to conserve more than 2,500 acres around Joshua Tree National Park. 

The Sáttítla National Monument in northern California will protect 200,000 acres of lands and waters in an area also called the Medicine Lake Highlands. Located near the Lava Beds National Monument and the Shasta-Trinity, Klamath, and Modoc National Forests, the Sáttítla National Monument encompasses a landscape of jaw-dropping natural beauty. Often referred to as the headwaters of California, this area features rich, green forests, abundant wildflowers, intricate cave systems, and pristine waters. Sáttítla National Monument will conserve significant habitat areas for fish and wildlife, and it will protect this vital water source. The designation was supported by the Pit River Tribe as well as a coalition of hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations. In recent years, Trust for Public Land has conserved over 18,000 acres in the surrounding region.

Trust for Public Land has long partnered with tribal nations and Indigenous communities to recover, restore, and protect their ancestral homelands. Since 1997, TPL has worked with more than 70 tribes and Native groups to protect homelands and culturally significant places such as ancestral burial grounds, fishing sites, and lands that supply traditional foods and medicines. Through these efforts we have protected or helped return more than 200,000 acres of land to Native Americans and Native Hawaiians. Trust for Public Land thanks the many local communities and organizations who worked tirelessly to secure the designations of the Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla National Monument.” 

Statement from Guillermo Rodriguez, Vice President Pacific Region and California State Director at Trust for Public Land:

“These designations are a testament to the power of community advocacy and their commitment to safeguarding California’s tribal and cultural heritage and incredible natural landscapes. They not only protect the ancestral lands of Tribal Nations but also play a critical role in advancing California’s 30×30 conservation goals, ensuring clean water, thriving wildlife, and equitable access to nature for generations to come across California. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the countless supporters who have long championed the protection of these important and sacred places; their advocacy and leadership were instrumental in making this designation possible. While these two monuments are the result of decades of community efforts, we must also recognize the leadership of California Senator Padilla and former Senator Butler, as well as the efforts of Representative Raul Ruiz, for their work championing this designation in Congress.” 

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About Trust for Public Land 

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,420 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, and raised $110 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.