Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, officials from the Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service are scheduled to host a community meeting on the proposed expansion of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument federal, Tribal, state, and local officials, along with community members to hear their vision for preserving the region’s natural and cultural resources.
Tribal Nations and local residents have called for expanding the existing national monument to protect culturally important sites on adjacent land managed by BLM, an area commonly known as Condor Ridge or Molok Luyuk in the Patwin language, to reflect Indigenous heritage in the region.
President Barack Obama designated Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in 2015. The area is essential habitat for fish and wildlife, hosts numerous archaeological and historic sites, and offers outdoor recreation for local communities. The national monument includes more than 330,000 acres of public land and is jointly managed by the BLM (approximately 133,000 acres) and the U.S. Forest Service (approximately 197,000 acres).
In response, Dan Ritzman, Director of Conservation Programs at Sierra Club, released the following statement:
“The lands and waters of Molok Luyuk have important spiritual connections to Tribes, provide habitat for wildlife, and support the communities that call the region home. The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service heard firsthand just how important protecting these landscapes is for local residents.
“We urge the Biden Administration to listen to Tribes and local communities to expand protections for Molok Luyuk and ensure this special place is protected for generations to come.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.