In Photos: President Obama Designates 3 National Monuments in California
President Obama has taken unprecedented action to invest and conserve America's natural treasures. The natural and cultural richness of our national parks, monuments, forests, and public lands are important reflections of our environmental responsibility and the legacy we leave to future generations. That is why this President has protected more than 265 million acres of land and water -- more than any other president in history.
Last week, he designated three new national monuments, which encompass nearly 1.8 million acres and nearly double the number of acres of public lands that he's previously protected. Take a look:
Mojave Trails National Monument
Spanning 1.6 million acres, including 400,000 acres of previously congressionally-designated Wilderness, the Mojave Trails National Monument is comprised of a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows, and spectacular sand dunes.
Sand to Snow National Monument
Encompassing 154,000 acres, including just over 100,000 acres of already congressionally-designated Wilderness, Sand to Snow National Monument is an ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California, supporting more than 240 species of birds and 12 threatened and endangered wildlife species.
Castle Mountains National Monument
The Castle Mountains National Monument is an integral piece of the Mojave Desert with important natural resources and historic sites, including Native American archeological sites.
Learn more the new national monuments. |
