Recently America has celebrated the designation of another national monument: the San Gabriel Mountains of California. Did you know that the San Gabriel Mountains of California provide LA with some 30 percent of its drinking water? Additionally, the 340,000+ acres of wilderness are home to many rare and endangered species, including the California condor.
It is because of the Antiquities Act that all of these national monuments exist in their natural state. Under the Antiquities Act, the US president has the authority to protect “historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest” by declaring them national monuments.
While mostly every US president has used this legislation since its creation in 1906, President Obama has been an especially strong advocate of preserving these monumental places that represent America’s history and natural beauty. The preservation of the San Gabriel Mountains is Obama’s second use of the Antiquities Act, just this year. It is his thirteenth use of the Act since the beginning of his presidency! Wow!
The Huffington Post points out that protecting natural spaces is a win for outdoor enthusiasts, the tourism industry, recreation outfitters, and anyone who enjoys clean air and safe drinking water. Furthermore, when protection is provided for forests, mountains and waterways, it gives the younger generations opportunities to explore the outdoors and explore rewarding careers in environmental stewardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
The San Gabriel Mountains provide Los Angeles with approximately 30 percent of its drinking water. This makes them a crucial natural resource for the city's water supply and overall environmental health.
The San Gabriel Mountains are home to many rare and endangered species, including the California condor. This biodiversity highlights the ecological importance of preserving this wilderness area.
The Antiquities Act, established in 1906, gives the US president the authority to protect historic landmarks, structures, and objects of scientific interest by designating them as national monuments. This law helps preserve important natural and cultural sites in their natural state.
President Obama has been a strong advocate for preserving national monuments, using the Antiquities Act thirteen times during his presidency. The designation of the San Gabriel Mountains as a national monument was his second use of the Act in that year alone.
Protecting natural spaces ensures that younger generations have opportunities to explore the outdoors and pursue careers in environmental stewardship. It also helps maintain clean air, safe drinking water, and supports outdoor recreation and tourism industries.
Designating areas as national monuments protects forests, mountains, and waterways, which benefits outdoor enthusiasts, supports tourism and recreation industries, and ensures environmental health such as clean air and water for communities.