Chuckwalla National Monument Established and Joshua Tree Park Expanded in California.
This law establishes the Chuckwalla National Monument, covering over 621,000 acres in California, protecting vital desert ecosystems, cultural heritage sites of Native American Tribes, and ensuring continued public access for recreation. It also expands Joshua Tree National Park by 17,842 acres. The legislation balances conservation with energy needs by ensuring that the Monument designation does not impede renewable energy development in adjacent areas.
Key points
Creation of the 621,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument protects unique biodiversity and historical sites crucial to culturally affiliated Indian Tribes.
Recreational access is maintained: Citizens can continue hiking, camping, hunting, and using motorized vehicles on designated routes.
New mining and grazing leases are prohibited within the Monument boundaries to preserve the natural landscape.
Native American Tribes gain formal roles in co-managing the Monument and retain access for traditional cultural and religious practices.
Energy infrastructure protection: Renewable energy projects and transmission lines in adjacent Development Focus Areas are explicitly protected from interference by the Monument's establishment.
Expired
Citizen Poll