Legislation has been introduced in Congress to expand Joshua Tree National Park/Kurt Repanshek file

U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz and Sen. Alex Padilla have introduced bills to designate the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park, and also called on President Biden to do the same through his authority under the Antiquities Act.

“I’m so happy these important bills are moving forward to protect the beauty and biodiversity of these lands for future generations,” said Ileene Anderson, senior scientist and California deserts director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “For too long these stunning public lands have been passed over for protections, and it’s so important they’re finally being recognized. Using the Antiquities Act to designate them for protection and public enjoyment would honor cultural landscapes and be a magnificent gift to our children and grandchildren.”

The land that would be protected includes part of Chuckwalla Valley, all of the Chuckwalla Mountains, and the adjacent Mecca Hills. These landscapes are rich in biological diversity and home to desert tortoises, kit foxes, golden eagles and the proposed monument’s namesake chuckwalla lizards, according to the center, which said the bills are supported by local tribes, numerous businesses, communities and conservation groups.

In 2023 Ruiz (D-Calif.) first unveiled legislation for the proposed 660,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument and 17,000-acre addition to Joshua Tree National Park. Padilla (D-Calif.) introduced a companion bill in the Senate and Ruiz introduced his bill again during the 2024 session. The legislators are also asking the Biden administration to use the Antiquities Act to designate the monument and expand the park.

These public lands within the California Desert Conservation Area are remote and rugged, harboring palm oases, unique desert wash woodlands and 360-degree vistas. The lands will preserve key wildlife migration linkages between Joshua Tree National Park and conservation areas south of the proposed Chuckwalla monument, which are more critical than ever due to climate change. The designations will help achieve the national America the Beautiful goals of conserving 30 percent of the nation’s natural landscapes by 2030, according to a release from the center.

The landscapes have been part of local tribes’ historical territories from time immemorial. The cultural resources and landscapes are irreplaceable and deserve the highest protection with tribal access, the center said.