Mr. President: Approve the Proposed Chuckawalla National Monument

The California Native Plant Society reminded members this week that

“regardless of who a person votes for, national monuments are for everyone… In California, people of all backgrounds cherish our connections to the natural world, including our public lands. That’s why California Native American Tribes, local officials, veterans, outdoor recreation businesses, public health officials, scientists, and communities are joining together, urging President Biden to take action immediately to designate the proposed Chuckwalla, Sáttítla, and Kw’tsán national monuments. It’s why we, the California Native Plant Society, are calling on the President to act now to support these popular California priorities.”

The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument culminates the transition from Mojave to Colorado Desert that is only hinted at in the southern portion of Joshua Tree National Park. The microphyll woodlands and desert pavements characteristic of the Colorado Desert are only encountered once one enters Chuckwalla. Kw’tsan continues the transition to the Colorado River and south to the Algodones dune fields. These areas define the Colorado Desert. Sattitla protects a source of the Sacramento River, a key watershed that is important to all Californians.

The Mojave Desert Chapter of CNPS strongly supports the creation of all three of these important National Monuments.