President Joe Biden has designated Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California and Sáttítla National Monument in Northern California as federally protected lands. These new monuments, honoring Indigenous tribes and preserving vital ecosystems, expand California's national treasures and offer enhanced opportunities for recreation.

Preserving Tribal Heritage and Sacred Lands

The Chuckwalla National Monument, a sprawling 644,000-acre desert near Joshua Tree National Park, is a cultural cornerstone for the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians. Tribal Chairman Joseph DL Mirelez praised the designation, saying,

“We are happy to see the designation protect this area that contains thousands of cultural places and objects of vital importance to the history and identity of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians.”

Similarly, the 200,000-acre Sáttítla National Monument, located in Northern California near Mount Shasta, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Pit River Tribe. The designation protects a biodiverse area described by tribal member Brandy McDaniels as:

“The actual place of our creation and a very sacred place for us in the narrative of our peoples.”

Both sites are rich in biodiversity, with the Chuckwalla region home to species like bighorn sheep and desert tortoises, while Sáttítla boasts lush forests, intricate cave systems, and pristine lakes critical to California's water supply.

Recreation Access Through Federal Passes

Visitors to these new monuments can use the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass for entry. These interagency passes provide access to over 2,000 federal recreation areas, including the National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife sites, and Bureau of Land Management lands.

Available Passes Include:

• Annual Pass: $80 for unlimited annual access.
• Free Annual Military Pass: Available for active-duty military members and dependents.
• Lifetime Senior Pass: $80 for seniors, offering additional benefits like discounts on camping fees.
• Lifetime Access Pass: Free for individuals with permanent disabilities.

These passes cover entrance fees for all passengers in a single vehicle or up to four adults at per-person fee sites. Children 15 and under are always admitted free.

Balancing Conservation and Development

While celebrated by tribal leaders and conservationists, the new designations have faced pushback from groups advocating for development. For example, Blythe City Council opposed Chuckwalla’s restrictions on solar farm expansion, though key industry players supported the monument after boundary adjustments. Similarly, renewable energy proponents criticized Sáttítla for limiting geothermal energy development, despite the area’s significance as a cultural and ecological sanctuary.

Explore California’s New Monuments

The Chuckwalla and Sáttítla National Monuments are now open for public exploration, offering unique opportunities to experience California’s desert and forest landscapes. Whether trekking through the vibrant hues of Painted Canyon or hiking the pristine highlands near Mount Shasta, these monuments invite visitors to connect with the land while respecting its cultural and environmental significance.