Over the weekend, the Trump Administration initiated the process to review 27 national monuments—threatening areas of cultural and native significance, immense biodiversity, and expansive recreational use. We oppose any rollbacks on our public lands, and need your help to stop them. Our own neighborly Cascade-Siskiyou and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monuments are on the chopping block. Trump intends to shrink or eliminate these monuments to open up fossil fuel development, industrial logging, drilling, and mining. These attacks on our public lands are an injustice to every life that enjoys these public places.
Intersecting the Cascade, Siskiyou, and Klamath Mountains, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument is a vast, tangled knot of peaks and rivers that shelters an incredible complex of wild country and rare and unique species. Originally designated in 2000, it was the first monument to be set aside solely for the preservation of biodiversity. As one of his last acts in office, Obama expanded the original designation this last year to a total of 100,000 acres. If properly protected and restored, the bioregion may serve as a “climate refuge”—providing essential habitat that supports diverse natural communities in the face of human development and climate change. This diverse ecosystem supports wildlife, scientists, and students alike, and offers a wide range of educational and research programs. Home to various recreation activities and a segment of the Pacific Crest trail, this strikingly beautiful monument is the perfect illustration of how we should properly use our public lands.
The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument was designated by President Obama in 2015, and is home to a wealth of natural, historical and cultural resources, as well as recreational opportunities. The 330,780-acre monument extends from nearly sea level on Bureau of Land Management lands around Lake Berryessa in the south, up to 7,000 feet through the northern Snow Mountain Wilderness and the eastern boundary of the Yuki Wilderness in the Mendocino National Forest. Snow Mountain provides precious water toward both the Sacramento and Eel Rivers. Lush old-growth forest areas, a state game refuge, and two natural research areas provide high quality habitat to endemic and endangered species like the northern spotted owl, marten, fisher, and Chinook salmon. Home to seven different tribes, this monument is one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions in California. The scenic vistas and valleys of the Berryessa Snow Mountain provides breathtaking views, and great recreational opportunities.
Public involvement is critical in the protection of these monuments. There is a 60 day comment period to hear from supporters like you, help protect forestlands and wildlife from corporate exploitation. Now more than ever, private interest groups are expanding at the expense of all of our futures. For 40 years, EPIC has fought for a healthy environment for generations to come, but we can’t do it alone. We need your participation and support now more than ever.
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