For today’s National Public Lands Day, we have an incredible opportunity to protect one of the most important intact deserts left in the country. Take action today.

The proposed Chuckwalla National Monument encompasses some 627,000 acres of public land in the Southern California desert, and hosts an abundance of rare plants and animals as well as sites of Tribal, cultural, and historical significance.

The region sustains a high density of winter bird populations, and provides habitat for migrating birds such as Western Tanagers and Golden Eagles and desert-breeding birds like Cactus Wrens, Phainopeplas, and Greater Roadrunners.

Eighteen U.S. Presidents beginning with Theodore Roosevelt have used the Antiquities Act to establish or expand National Monuments to safeguard and preserve federal lands and cultural and historical sites, and now we are calling on Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to help advance this critical designation in the Biden Administration.

Designating Chuckwalla National Monument would not only safeguard wildlife habitat and migration corridors, but ensure more equitable access to nature for neighboring communities as well. Protecting the region also protects sacred places of the Iviatim, Nüwü, Pipa Aha Macav, Kwatsáan and Maara'yam peoples (Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mojave, Quechan, and Serrano Nations). 

Preserving this oasis for birds and other wildlife is crucial to their long-term survival, and supports the well-being of our communities.

Take action and let Secretary Haaland know that you support the Chuckwalla National Monument and urge her to advance its designation.