- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Attendees at a community meeting in Woodland, California, on Wednesday, called on President Biden to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to help safeguard lands that are sacred to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and preserve important wildlife corridors and the area’s biodiversity.
The proposed expansion, Molok Luyuk, is an area located on the eastern edge of the existing monument and includes 13,753 acres of oak woodlands, rocky outcroppings, wildflower meadows, and dozens of rare plant species.
“Many of the plant and animal species within Molok Luyuk are traditionally important to the lifeways of the Patwin people, and we consider their protection and stewardship to be part of our sacred responsibility to the land,” said Yocha Dehe Tribal Chairman Anthony Roberts in a press release.
Make A Donation Here
The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation has had a significant connection with the area for thousands of years.
“Molok Luyuk is a gem of rich cultural heritage and history, diverse wildlife and rare plants, stunning natural beauty, and accessible recreational activities,” said Sandra Schubert, Executive Director of Tuleyome, in a press release. We urge President Biden to expand the existing monument and permanently protect the entirety of Molok Luyuk.”
The goal of this effort is to establish co-management with federally recognized Tribes and to return an Indigenous name for the lands. Molok Luyuk is Patwin for “Condor Ridge” and is a name provided by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation.
“Molok Luyuk is a special and sacred place for area Tribes and for many local residents who enjoy recreation activities like hiking and mountain biking,” added Lake County Supervisor E.J. Crandell, a member of the Robinson Rancheria Tribe in a press release. “The natural beauty of our home also drives tourism, which is key to the economic vitality of the region. Protecting these beautiful lands would be a gift to future generations.”
Back in 2015, President Obama designated the national monument using the Antiquities Act. Earlier this year, government officials and the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation called upon Biden to expand Berry Snow Mountain National Monument using the Antiquities Act. More than 88,000 people have signed a petition supporting the proposed expansion.
More Stories Like This
Sault Tribe Joins the Fight for Mother Nature’s Legal Rights with New ResolutionFormer NCAI President Fawn Sharp Appointed to Nature Conservancy Board
New Interagency Agreement Supports Water Tribal Water and Sanitation Projects
Biden Unrolls Multi-Million Dollar Solar Grant on Earth Day, More to Come Throughout Week
Native American Rights Fund Gets $100K For Tribal Eco-Stewardship Legal Support
Native Perspective. Native Voices. Native News.
We launched Native News Online because the mainstream media often overlooks news that is important is Native people. We believe that everyone in Indian Country deserves equal access to news and commentary pertaining to them, their relatives and their communities. That's why the story you’ve just finished was free — and we want to keep it that way, for all readers. We hope you'll consider making a donation to support our efforts so that we can continue publishing more stories that make a difference to Native people, whether they live on or off the reservation. Your donation will help us keep producing quality journalism and elevating Indigenous voices. Any contribution of any amount — big or small — gives us a better, stronger future and allows us to remain a force for change. Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous-centered journalism. Thank you.
