President Creates National Monument Named After Desert Lizard
Published Date: 1/17/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The Chuckwalla National Monument is now officially protected in southeastern California, honoring the land’s deep cultural, spiritual, and natural importance to several Indigenous tribes. This new monument safeguards ancient trails, wildlife, and unique landscapes, ensuring they stay wild and inspiring for future generations. Starting January 2025, federal lands here will be managed to preserve these treasures without extra costs to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
624,270 Acres Reserved as Monument
The President reserved about 624,270 acres in southeastern California as the Chuckwalla National Monument effective January 14, 2025. Those federal lands are withdrawn from public land disposal, mining claims, and mineral and geothermal leasing to protect cultural, historic, and scientific resources.
No New Grazing Permits in Monument
Livestock grazing has not been permitted in the monument area since 2002, and the Secretary shall not issue new grazing permits or leases on these lands. Existing grazing authorizations are not reinstated by this proclamation.
Tribal Access and Co‑Stewardship Emphasized
The Secretary must meaningfully engage Tribal Nations with cultural or historical affiliation to the Chuckwalla region, seek opportunities for co-stewardship, and provide access for traditional cultural, spiritual, and customary uses including noncommercial collection of plants and firewood consistent with law. The proclamation also directs exploration of cooperative agreements and support for Tribal participation in management.
Motorized Access Restricted to Existing Routes
Motorized vehicle use in the monument is allowed only on roads and trails documented in BLM route inventories as of January 14, 2025; new public motorized routes may be designated only for public safety or to protect monument objects. This limits new off-road or route expansion for general recreation within the monument boundaries.
Renewable Energy in DFAs Not Barred
Because the monument is near Development Focus Areas (DFAs) identified by the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP), the proclamation states it does not require denial of renewable energy proposals that are in DFAs and that comply with applicable legal requirements. Renewable projects in those DFAs may proceed if they meet legal standards.
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