Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement today reacting to President Biden signing a proclamation that expands the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument:
“Today’s approved expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is a big deal. It will drive the federal government to invest more resources to permanently protect and conserve these important natural lands. As more development comes to Los Angeles County, I believe it is critical to conserve open spaces that help our local residents and visitors connect to nature and wildlife. Preserving these special lands for future generations is important.”
The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument was initially designated as a monument in 2014, by President Obama. Today’s proclamation adds 105,919 acres of U.S. Forest Service lands to the south and west of the current monument’s 346,177 acres, expands access to outdoor recreation on the public lands, and adds additional protections to cultural, scientific, and historic objects found on the land.
Last year, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to support a motion introduced by Supervisor Barger that placed Los Angeles County’s support behind Congresswoman Judy Chu’s congressional bill to expand and preserve the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. A federal legislative strategy with wide support from federal, state and local elected officials culminated with today’s presidential proclamation.