Last Friday, President Obama designated the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains in California as our newest national monument.
“It’s not just the natural beauty of the San Gabriels that makes it invaluable. Within these hills lies millennia of history, including the ancient rock art of Native peoples — the first Americans,” he said.
Protecting the San Gabriel Mountains also benefits area residents: More than 15 million people live within 90 minutes of the mountains, which provide residents with 70 percent of their open space and 30 percent of their drinking water. And the new designation will protect nearly 350,000 acres for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation.
Find out more about the San Gabriel Mountains, and watch the President’s full remarks here.
