WASHINGTON – (INT) – More protection for the Inland Empire deserts might be in the works.

Legislation has been proposed in Washington to expand the Joshua Tree National Park and to create the Chuckwalla National Monument in eastern Riverside County and a portion of Imperial County.

The Chuckwalla designation would protect nearly 628-thousand acres of vast desert landscape. President Biden would be urged to use his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate the monument.

Joshua Tree would grow by nearly 18-thousand acres of previously designated public lands, as recommended by the National Park Service.

The legislation is being offered by California Senator Alex Padilla and Inland Empire Congressman Raul Ruiz.

Senator Padilla argues that “Establishing the Chuckwalla National Monument would help fight the climate crisis, protect critical wildlife corridors, preserve sacred tribal sites, and improve equitable access to nature for our local communities.”

Story Date: April 23, 2024