President Biden has made conservation a priority by creating five national monuments and expanding two others as part of his plan to conserve 30 percent of the country’s lands and waters by 2030. He has also focused on the intersection of conservation, climate change, and Native American issues, recognizing the importance of Native American voters in swing states like Arizona and Nevada. One of his actions includes designating half a million acres of the Spirit Mountain area in southern Nevada, known as Avi Kwa Ame, as a national monument. This area is considered the mythical creation site for Yuman-speaking tribes such as the Fort Mojave, Cocopah, Quechan, and Hopi.
In addition, President Biden restored and expanded the Bears Ears national monument in Utah to its original size of 1.3 million acres, after it had been reduced by the Trump administration. This area is the ancestral homeland of five tribal nations. Overall, President Biden has preserved more than 41 million acres of land and waters through his conservation efforts. He also plans to expand the San Gabriel and Berryessa Snow Mountain national monuments, including areas with historic sites such as a scenic railroad, recreation resorts, and missile facilities dating back to the Cold War.
The San Gabriel national monument covers over 342,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest and neighboring San Bernardino National Forest, with an expansion of approximately 110,000 acres planned. The Berryessa Snow Mountain national monument, spanning nearly 331,000 acres in multiple counties, will be expanded by about 13,753 acres. This expansion includes the protection of an 11-mile ridgeline known as Molok Luyuk, which holds significant geological and hydrological features and is sacred to the Patwin people. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet secretary, praised President Biden’s decision to protect Molok Luyuk and its cultural significance for future generations.
President Biden’s focus on conservation and preservation also has implications for Native American communities, who have long advocated for the protection of sacred lands. By creating and expanding national monuments like Bears Ears and Molok Luyuk, the administration is acknowledging the historical and cultural importance of these areas to indigenous people. This approach aligns with President Biden’s commitment to supporting Native American rights and addressing environmental challenges, while also recognizing the role of Native American voters in key states.
The creation and expansion of national monuments under President Biden’s leadership serve as tangible examples of his administration’s commitment to conservation and environmental protection. By preserving millions of acres of land and waters, including areas of cultural and historical significance to Native American tribes, President Biden is advancing his goal of conserving 30 percent of the nation’s natural resources by 2030. These actions also highlight the administration’s recognition of the importance of engaging with Native American communities and addressing their concerns within the broader context of conservation and climate change initiatives.
