7 Reasons to Endorse the Range of Light National Monument
1. Substantial Public Support: In 2022, congress introduced the Range of Light National Monument Act, which provides the foundation for a designation made via Presidential Proclamation. The monument also has California State support, business and nonprofit support, and local support. Tribal support was earned in 2023. Learn more here.
2. Protects California Forests and Communities from Wildfire: The monument includes significant portions of the Creek Fire. Right now, remaining trees are being actively logged; 600-foot wide swaths are being cut across nearly one thousand miles. This will increase the likelihood of fires, by opening up gaps that will increase intensity, spread and forward progress of fires. This is what the science shows. Learn more.
3. Improves Recreation: Ever noticed that trails have been neglected? That’s because the Forest Service does not prioritize non-motorized recreation. The monument includes a visitor services plan that focuses on trail creation, restoration, and ongoing access. Right now, 50 percent of campgrounds are closed. Let’s open them up and also keep dispersed camping. The monument also prioritizes 4WD recreation, maintaining popular routes like the Dusy-Ershim.
4. Sized Right: Republican President Theodore Roosevelt designated the Grand Canyon at the third national monument in U.S. history at 800,000 acres, and they’ve grown from there. The largest monument was proclaimed in 1978 at 2,142,243 acres Misty Fjords National Monument. This 1.4 million acres will build a bridge for species and wildlife to survive and thrive, and create a wonderful place for people.
5. The Perfect Location for Connection: The Sierra Nevada is one the most biodiverse places on the planet, and the Range of Light encompasses 1.4 million acres of the western slope of this majestic range, spanning six biotic zones, from the foothill oak woodlands to alpine peaks of rock and lichen. These zones include 1,400 plant species, 26 species of conifers, and 350 species of fish and wildlife. This rich variety includes 67 species identified as “species of conservation concern” and 24 species designated as endangered or threatened by state and federal agencies.
6. Builds an Economic Future: In this beleaguered land, only 10 percent of the trees are viable for commercial logging. The economic future is in restoration, recreation, and revival. An economic report, which analyzed the bill’s effects, shows that a monument managed by the National Park Service, would boost jobs by more than 2800, locally. And that’s just what’s needed.
7. Climate, Trees, Nature. We are the stewards of this land. All the creatures that live there require care and thoughtful planning and forest restoration. When we care for them, we care for ourselves. We also get clean air, pure water, blue skies, and wonderful open space. With those precious things, we support the local economy, the people of California, and Central Valley farms that depend on a healthy watershed to grow crops.
The time is now to Unite the Parks.