More than 18 million Californians reside within 90 miles of the pristine San Gabriel Mountains, which tower dramatically over the Los Angeles skyline. The mountains play an important role for the community, as they support one-third of Los Angeles’ freshwater resources. San Gabriel is home to threatened and endangered species, including 53 U.S. Forest Service sensitive plants and 300 California-endemic species, as well as more than 600 archaeological and historic sites. Due to the ecological and historic richness of the landscape, it serves as a vital educational resource for the local community.
In 2014, President Barack Obama designated 346,177 acres of this southern California landscape as San Gabriel Mountains National Monument to protect endangered species, cultural resources, outdoor recreation, and increase access to the outdoors for one of the largest urban centers in the country.
However, a new analysis finds that expanding the monument to include an additional 109,000 acres of the Angeles National Forest closest to Los Angeles would significantly increase access for the local community. U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu have championed this effort, with support from President Joe Biden, to advance conservation efforts and provide more access to protected nature.
The proposed expansion has garnered widespread support, including from the America the Beautiful for All Coalition and President Rudy Ortega of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians. The expansion effort aims to address the limited access to nearby protected nature experienced by many residents of the Greater Los Angeles community, particularly those from historically marginalized and minority communities.
According to the analysis conducted by CAP and CSP, the proposed expansion would benefit approximately 757,000 more people, with over 60 percent of them being nonwhite, providing greater access to nearby protected nature for communities that have historically faced inequitable access.
Additionally, the expansion would not only benefit communities but also positively impact ecosystems, clean water, and cultural preservation. By reducing driving times for local communities to access the protected site, the expansion would make a significant difference, especially for communities that are jointly nonwhite, low income, and nature deprived.
The Biden administration, known for its commitment to conservation and environmental justice, has the opportunity to further its goals by expanding the boundaries of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. This expansion would align with the administration's focus on addressing racial and income disparities in access to protected nature and promoting equitable access for all communities.
In conclusion, expanding the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument would not only improve access to nature for one of the country's largest, most diverse cities but also demonstrate how executive action can prioritize community needs and environmental conservation in a changing climate.
