FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2023
Contact: Suzanne Spencer, suzanne@fcpcommunications.com, 510-508-0383
POWER IN NATURE COALITION APPLAUDS CALL TO EXPAND THE SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Pasadena, CA — Today, the Power in Nature Coalition applauded a call to President Biden to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in Southern California. Elected officials, community leaders, and local residents in the Los Angeles region joined Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) at an event this week to issue this call to action. Expanding the monument is the next step in a 20-year, locally-driven effort to protect the San Gabriel Mountains.
“Expanding the boundaries of the San Gabriel National Monument will help keep pace to meeting state and federal goals to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030,” said Belén Bernal, Executive Director of Nature for All. “The San Gabriel Mountains are an interconnected landscape and a critical refuge for native wildlife. The proposed expansion area, which totals 109,000 acres of public lands, would safeguard wildlife corridors and habitat for species such as black bears, mountain lions, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and mule deer.
“Increasing access to nature’s benefits is an essential part of the statewide and national ‘30×30’ effort to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030. The expanded monument will include a significant portion of the western Angeles National Forest and help increase equitable access to nature for over 18 million people who live within a 90-mile radius. The expansion will also enhance conservation of the area’s rich cultural and unique geological features, as well as protect a critical source of drinking water for Los Angeles County residents.
“We thank Senator Padilla and Representative Chu for their leadership and urge President Biden to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.”
# # #
About the Power in Nature Coalition
Power In Nature is a statewide coalition of over 100 community groups, environmental and conservation organizations, land trusts, indigenous organizations and tribal members dedicated to advancing California’s 30×30 commitment. The Power In Nature coalition has identified nearly 100 potential 30×30 projects across the state and works on a broad range of issues including biodiversity protection, climate resilience, equity, recreation, outdoor access and social justice. For more information, visit powerinnature.org.
