- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla yesterday reintroduced legislation that would expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and require the federal entities that manage the lands to improve tribal engagement and co-management of the area.
The legislation, led by California Congressmen John Garamendi and Mike Thompson would expand the National Monument designated by President Obama in 2015 to include 3,925 acres of an adjacent federally owned land parcel in Lake County known as the "Walker Ridge" tract.
It would also rename the BLM’s entire Walker Ridge tract in Lake and Colusa Counties to “Condor Ridge,” a name translated from “Molok Luyuk” in the Patwin language of the Yocha Dehe and other federally recognized tribes that call the area their ancestral homeland.
“Expanding the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument will help secure approximately 4,000 additional acres for federal protection,” Senator Feinstein said in a statement. “This area of California is rich with Native American cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems, which is why I’m happy to join Senator Padilla in building on the work started in 2015 to create the more than 330,000-acres national monument.”
“California has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world—and it is our duty to preserve these pristine outdoor spaces and rare natural habitats to combat the climate crisis and benefit future generations,” said Senator Alex Padilla. “I am proud to be introducing this legislation to not only expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, but to usher in a new era of cooperative stewardship between our federal land management agencies and local tribes.”
Senator Alex Padilla said that he’s proud to be introducing legislation “to usher in a new era of cooperative stewardship between our federal land management agencies and local tribes.”
“For over 11,000 years, dozens of tribes have called ‘Molok Luyuk’ home, and with the enactment of our bill, we can ensure that their unique tribal knowledge, history, and cultural practices will permanently be part of the National Monument,” he said.
More Stories Like This
TIME Magazine Names Gila River Indian Community Leader to Its "2024 Time100 Climate” ListNavajo President Buu Nygren Says Remediation Fund, Cleanup of Sites is Solution to Contamination
Record Numbers of Steelhead Return to the Deschutes River, Heralding Progress in Long-term Fish Reintroduction Effort
National Park Service Issues Landmark Order for Tribal Consultations
On the Wisconsin-Iowa Border, the Mississippi River is Eroding Sacred Indigenous Mounds
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
