Kayah Swanson, kayah.swanson@sierraclub.org
BURNEY, Calif. -- Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler (both D-Calif.) announced they will introduce legislation to establish a new Sáttítla National Monument in the national forests of northeast California. Padilla and Butler were also joined by Rep. Adam Schiff in a letter calling on the Biden Administration to use the Antiquities Act to permanently protect these lands.
Often referred to as the ‘headwaters for California,’ the land known as Sáttítla supplies fresh water to millions across the state, supporting wildlife and agriculture all the way down to the San Francisco Bay. In addition to its role as a water source, the area has held cultural significance to the Pit River and Modoc Tribes for generations, who continue to use the area for religious activities, ceremonies and gatherings.
A new national monument would help achieve the Biden administration’s goal of protecting 30 percent of US lands and waters by 2030. Earlier this year, President Biden got closer to that goal by expanding the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monuments.
In response, Mary Lunetta, Sierra Club’s California Conservation Strategist, said:
“Sáttítla is one of California's greatest natural wonders—the primordial network of underground volcanic aquifers supplies millions with fresh water and serves as a cornerstone for Northern California’s ecological health. This freshwater wellspring is also the traditional homeland of the Pit River and Modoc Tribes, who have recognized this area’s importance for centuries.
“The Sierra Club thanks Senator Padilla, Senator Butler and Representative Schiff for their leadership in protecting these lands. National Monument designation is a critical step for protecting Sáttítla’s benefits for the communities, wildlife and ecosystems of California.”
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.