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National Monument Designation in California
National monuments protect critical habitat and species, preserve cultural heritage sites,
and provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. The designation of public lands
as a national monument provides specific protections and land management directives. For
the most part, national monuments protect existing rights, meaning that most activities that
were allowed prior to becoming a national monument would be allowed after designation.
For example, if OHV recreation had been allowed on designated roads, it would continue
after the monument is established. One possible concern of outdoor recreation enthusiasts
is that national monument designations could curtail existing recreation opportunities and
restrict the potential to expand or change recreation opportunities in the future.
When Congress establishes national monuments, the legislative process allows for
discussion of bill components, such as wilderness designations, mining activities, energy
production, and recreation. It also allows for public review and comments on the proposed
legislation. The President designates national monuments through Executive Orders, which
under the 1906 Antiquities Act, gives the President the authority to set policy without going
through Congress for approval.
California has 15 national monuments, seven of which were established in the last eight
years through Executive Orders. Three of these monuments were created from BLMmanaged
lands in the Southern California desert. While OHV recreation on existing trails
has been preserved, the recreation cannot be expanded within the monument area. OHV
recreation is a popular sport in the area, and the existing BLM-managed OHV areas
are already impacted. Moreover, the Grants Program awarded over $14 million since
the 2008/2009 grants cycle to fund projects that support BLM-administered OHV areas
in the CDCA. Given the substantial investment of California public funds, the OHMVR
Commission has an interest in protecting OHV recreational opportunities in the CDCA well
into the future.
Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell addresses the crowd
2017 Program Report 181