Three new national monuments designated in California

Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack recently applauded President Barack Obama’s designation of three new national monuments in California: the Sand to Snow National Monument, Mojave Trails National Monument and Castle Mountains National Monument.

"The California desert is a cherished and irreplaceable resource for the people of Southern California," Jewell said. "It is an oasis of nature's quiet beauty just outside two of our nation's largest metropolitan areas. Its historic and cultural resources tell the stories of armies, travelers, ranchers, and miners, and of the original caretakers of this land. Today's designation by the President furthers the longstanding work of public land managers and local communities to ensure these areas will remain preserved and accessible to the public for future generations."

The monuments are located roughly an hour away from Los Angeles or Las Vegas, in San Bernadino and Riverside counties, and cover roughly 1.8 million acres. Their designation also connects previously designated wildlife areas, including the Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park and San Bernadino National Forest and 15 other areas.

"Sand to Snow's peaks and valleys have long provided physical and spiritual sustenance to native people," Vilsack said. "Today, they are also an inspiration and recreational beacon to millions. We are honored to ensure the permanent protection of these cherished places."