Friends of the Earth Celebrates Expansions for Berryessa Snow Mountain and San Gabriel Mountains National Monuments
WASHINGTON – Today, the Biden Administration announced plans to expand the boundaries for Berryessa Snow Mountain and San Gabriel Mountains National Monuments. Originally designated as national monuments by the Obama Administration, these mountains span the California coast and covers hundreds of thousands of acres.
The announcement expands protections to include Molok Luyuk (Condor Ridge) for Berryessa Snow Mountain and the western Angeles National Forest for San Gabriel Mountains, which were not included in the original monument designation.
Raena Garcia, Senior Fossil Fuel and Lands Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement:
“We’re grateful for this announcement that will unlock critical support for two of California’s most popular national monuments. We also commend our regional partners and Tribal communities for their diligent work in ensuring better accessibility for visitors and safeguarding crucial habitats. We urge the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to effectively implement this expansion for the sake of our protecting our public lands and natural resources.”
Expanding Berryessa Snow Mountain and the San Gabriel Mountains will allow for additional funding to both regions, helping to increase access for surrounding communities, safeguard the landscape’s cultural significance for the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and Gabrieleno San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians, and ensure greater protections for dozens of animals and plant habitats.
PRESS CONTACT: Erika Seiber, [email protected]