The monuments’ expansion will protect around 120,000 additional acres in total — adding 105,919 acres to the San Gabriel Mountains monument’s existing 346,177 and 13,696 acres to Berryessa Snow Mountain monument’s existing 330,000.
The San Gabriel Mountains, in Southern California, boast wildlife such as the California condor bird and mountain yellow-legged frog and are also the location of the San Andreas Fault.
The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is about 80 miles northwest of Sacramento and is known for wildflowers and steep canyons.
The Biden administration has set a broader goal of conserving 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030.
“These expansions will increase access to nature, boost our outdoor economy, and honor areas of significance to Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples as we continue to safeguard our public lands for all Americans and for generations to come,” Vice President Kamala Harris said in a written statement.
Read more in a full report at TheHill.com.
