Great news! President Obama signed a proclamation declaring the San Gabriel Mountains our country's newest national monument. Located in the backyard of Los Angeles, the area provides much-needed natural open space in the heart of one of America's most urban areas and an abundance of recreation opportunities.
This is a great victory for southern California but so many American communities are waiting to see their special places protected. Places like Greater Canyonlands in Utah and the Grand Canyon Watershed in Arizona which are under threat from mining and fossil fuel development.
President Obama won't take action to protect other vulnerable wild spaces unless he knows you support his efforts to protect the San Gabriels.
Tell President Obama thank you for protecting the San Gabriel Mountains and keep the momentum going to protect more of America's wild places!
Dear President Obama,
Thank you for designating the San Gabriel Mountains as America's newest national monument.
The new San Gabriels National Monument will provide much needed opportunities for youth to get outdoors in park poor Southern California. It will increase services and staffing -- opening the way for multi-lingual rangers, access trails, and interpretive signs, while also preserving current uses and the natural, historic and scenic resources of the area. It will ensure the fragile ecosystem of the region is preserved, safeguarding precious water resources. It will also bring increased tourism spending and job creation.
The designation will also ensure the forest that provides essential habitat for Nelson's bighorn sheep, California spotted owls, native frogs and fish, and other endangered or rare species is protected.
Your action will permanently protect the forest, rivers and parks, and will help preserve their gifts of water, scenic wild lands and healthy recreation for my family and for future generations. Thank you!
[Your comment will go here]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
