Sarah Friedman (215) 300-8572 , sarah.friedman@sierraclub.org
Northern California, Southern Oregon-- Today, Secretary of the Interior Zinke released recommendations to drastically cut the boundaries of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.The Cascade-Siskiyou Monument is home to a vast diversity of wildlife and plant species. The decision comes after the Department of the Interior received more than 2.8 million public comments-- of which 98% of people urged for their current and future protection. The recommendation adds to the single biggest attack on public lands and wildlife in America’s history.
In response, Sierra Club released the following response:
“Our national monuments are the epitome of progress in efforts to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible. I’ve had the opportunity to lead outings with young Californian immigrant students at Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Our public lands provide our students a place to regroup and recharge from the daily fear of deportation. Public lands must remain protected for our students and future generations to enjoy nature, wildlife and wild places.
“An attack on public lands is an attack on values we cherish as Americans. Trump has disrespected the communities he has sworn to serve. Make no mistake-- we will continue to defend these places for today and future generations,” Dyane Osorio, Chapter Director of Sierra Club Mother Lode Chapter.
“This administration is effectively robbing American people of our country’s natural and cherished wonders. Cascade-Siskiyou hosts tens of thousands of archaeological sites belonging to three Tribal Nations. This administration’s agenda is not only ill-thought out but completely unjust.
“The Oregon delegation and Governor advocated and will continue to fight for the protection of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument-- recognizing its richness in plants, wildlife and importance to our region’s history. We will join them to call for its continued permanent protection. We won’t back down in the fight to defend public lands and everyone they benefit,” Rhett Lawrence, Conservation Director of Oregon Sierra Club
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.