This measure would urge the President and the Congress of the United States to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition and to endorse the passage of House bill Bill No. 1396 and Senate bill Bill No. 683 of the 118th Congress.

This measure would urge the President and the Congress of the United States to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition and to endorse the passage of House bill 1396 and Senate bill 683 of the 118th Congress.

WHEREAS, Approximately 60 percent of land in the continental United States is in a natural state, but we are losing a football field worth of it every 30 seconds, and the decline of nature threatens wildlife as approximately 1,000,000 animal and plant species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades across the globe, including one-third of United States wildlife; and

WHEREAS, The United States Geological Survey reports that only 12 percent of lands are permanently protected, and other studies show that roughly 23 percent of Americas ocean is currently strongly protected, with the vast majority of ocean protections found in the western Pacific Ocean; and

WHEREAS, On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order No. 14008, which launched a governmentwide effort to confront climate change, restore balance on our nations public lands and waters, create jobs, and provide a path to align the management of our nations public lands and waters with national climate, conversation, and clean energy goals; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 14008 directs the United States Department of the Interior to outline steps to achieve the Presidents commitment to conserve at least 30 percent each of our lands and waters by the year 2030, known as the 30x30 goal, in order to safeguard our health, food supplies, biodiversity, and the prosperity of every community and to undertake the process with broad engagement, including agricultural and forest landowners, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, sovereign tribal nations, states, territories, local officials, and others to identify strategies that reflect the priorities of all communities; and

WHEREAS, In October 2020, Governor Newsom outlined a comprehensive and results-oriented agenda to expand nature-based solutions across California through Executive Order No. N-82-20, elevating the role of natural and working lands in the fight against climate change and advancing biodiversity conservation as an administration priority and committing the state to the goal of conserving 30 percent of our lands and coastal waters by 2030; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. N-82-20 directs the Natural Resources Agency to coordinate the execution of the 30x30 goal with other state agencies and stakeholders through a series of actions, including the development of a strategy document by February 2022 titled Pathways to 30x30, that sets California on the path to successfully implement our 30x30 conservation goal; and

WHEREAS, The Legislature has previously expressed bipartisan support for the designation of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Assembly Joint Resolution 4 of the 201516 Regular Session, adopted on April 9, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument was established by former President Obamas Presidential Proclamation 9298 on July 10, 2015, in order to protect its rich biodiversity, including rare endemic species, unique serpentine outcrops, relic prairies, and riparian habitats; and

WHEREAS, In addition to providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife, the area is important for scientific study, prehistoric and historic preservation, and exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The lands within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument additionally retain deep cultural significance for roughly 24 federally recognized Indian tribes who inhabited them for at least the last 11,000 years; and

WHEREAS, Encompassing more than 330,000 acres of public land, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is jointly managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service, and both agencies have worked to carefully manage the objects and values identified in the proclamation, such as holding several community conversations to gather public input and building a shared vision for stewardship of the monument; and

WHEREAS, House bill Bill No. 1396 and Senate bill Bill No. 683 of the 118th Congress would add approximately 3,900 acres of land managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Lake County, California, and would rename the area commonly known as Walker Ridge to Condor Ridge, or Molok Luyuk in the Patwin language, to reflect the areas cultural significance to the many federally recognized Indian tribes in this region; and

WHEREAS, House bill Bill No. 1396 and Senate bill Bill No. 683 of the 118th Congress would provide opportunities for the federal Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to enter into cooperative agreements and other financial partnership instruments with federally recognized Indian tribes for management of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and align with both the Biden Administrations and Californias 30x30 conservation goals; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the State of California urges the President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 431 et seq.) (54 U.S.C. Sec. 320101 et seq.) to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition; and be it further

Resolved, That the State of California endorses the passage of House bill Bill No. 1396 and Senate bill Bill No. 683 of the 118th Congress; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.

WHEREAS, Approximately 60 percent of land in the continental United States is in a natural state, but we are losing a football field worth of it every 30 seconds, and the decline of nature threatens wildlife as approximately 1,000,000 animal and plant species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades across the globe, including one-third of United States wildlife; and

WHEREAS, The United States Geological Survey reports that only 12 percent of lands are permanently protected, and other studies show that roughly 23 percent of Americas ocean is currently strongly protected, with the vast majority of ocean protections found in the western Pacific Ocean; and

WHEREAS, On January 27, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order No. 14008, which launched a governmentwide effort to confront climate change, restore balance on our nations public lands and waters, create jobs, and provide a path to align the management of our nations public lands and waters with national climate, conversation, and clean energy goals; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order No. 14008 directs the United States Department of the Interior to outline steps to achieve the Presidents commitment to conserve at least 30 percent each of our lands and waters by the year 2030, known as the 30x30 goal, in order to safeguard our health, food supplies, biodiversity, and the prosperity of every community and to undertake the process with broad engagement, including agricultural and forest landowners, fishermen, outdoor enthusiasts, sovereign tribal nations, states, territories, local officials, and others to identify strategies that reflect the priorities of all communities; and

WHEREAS, In October 2020, Governor Newsom outlined a comprehensive and results-oriented agenda to expand nature-based solutions across California through Executive Order N-82-20, elevating the role of natural and working lands in the fight against climate change and advancing biodiversity conservation as an administration priority and committing the state to the goal of conserving 30 percent of our lands and coastal waters by 2030; and

WHEREAS, Executive Order N-82-20 directs the Natural Resources Agency to coordinate the execution of the 30x30 goal with other state agencies and stakeholders through a series of actions, including the development of a strategy document by February 2022 titled Pathways to 30x30, that sets California on the path to successfully implement our 30x30 conservation goal; and

WHEREAS, The Legislature has previously expressed bipartisan support for the designation of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region as the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Assembly Joint Resolution 4 of the 201516 Regular Session, adopted on April 9, 2015; and

WHEREAS, The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument was established by former President Obamas Presidential Proclamation 9298 on July 10, 2015, in order to protect its rich biodiversity, including rare endemic species, unique serpentine outcrops, relic prairies, and riparian habitats; and

WHEREAS, In addition to providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife, the area is important for scientific study, prehistoric and historic preservation, and exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The lands within the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument additionally retain deep cultural significance for roughly 24 federally recognized Indian tribes who inhabited them for at least the last 11,000 years; and

WHEREAS, Encompassing more than 330,000 acres of public land, the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument is jointly managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service, and both agencies have worked to carefully manage the objects and values identified in the proclamation, such as holding several community conversations to gather public input and building a shared vision for stewardship of the monument; and

WHEREAS, House bill 1396 and Senate bill 683 of the 118th Congress would add approximately 3,900 acres of land managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Lake County, California, and would rename the area commonly known as Walker Ridge to Condor Ridge, or Molok Luyuk in the Patwin language, to reflect the areas cultural significance to the many federally recognized Indian tribes in this region; and

WHEREAS, House bill 1396 and Senate bill 683 of the 118th Congress would provide opportunities for the federal Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to enter into cooperative agreements and other financial partnership instruments with federally recognized Indian tribes for management of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and align with both the Biden Administrations and Californias 30x30 conservation goals; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the State of California urges the President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 431 et seq.) to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition; and be it further

Resolved, That the State of California endorses the passage of House bill 1396 and Senate bill 683 of the 118th Congress; and be it further

Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, the United States Secretary of the Interior, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, the Minority Leader of the United States Senate, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SJR 10

Author: Dodd (D), et al.

Introduced: 1/18/24

Vote: 21

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 9-0, 4/15/24

AYES: Min, Seyarto, Allen, Eggman, Hurtado, Laird, Limón, Padilla, Stern

NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle, Grove

SUBJECT: Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST:

This Senate Joint Resolution urges the U.S. President and Congress to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition.

ANALYSIS:

Existing federal law:

1. Declares that it is a national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States. (Title 54 U.S. Code (54 USC) §320101)
2. Authorizes the President to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on land owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments. (54 USC §320301)

Existing state law:

1. Establishes a goal of the state to conserve at least 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. (Public Resources Code (PRC) §71450)
2. Directs the California Natural Resources Agency, in implementing the 10 pathways and specific near-term priority actions described in the Pathways to 30x30 Report to achieve the 30x30 goal, to prioritize certain actions, including supporting tribal engagement and leadership in implementing the 30x30 goal. (PRC §71451)

Background

30x30 initiative. 30x30 is an international movement to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters as intact natural ecosystems by 2030. It is a milestone to a larger goal to protect 50% of these areas by 2050 in order to halt and reverse the world’s extinction crisis. Almost 200 countries agreed to protect 30% of the planet by 2030 at the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties in Montreal, Canada under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

At the federal level, the Biden Administration launched the “America the Beautiful” initiative in 2021, which includes the first national conservation goal to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. In California, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-82-20 in 2020, which adopted a goal to conserve at least 30% of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030. SB 337 (Min, Chapter 392, Statutes of 2023) later codified this goal. As of May 2023, the state has conserved 24.4% of lands and 16.2% of its coastal waters. To reach the goal, it must conserve approximately 5.6 million more acres of land and approximately 500,000 more acres of coastal waters.

Federal Antiquities Act. This act, passed in 1906, seeks to preserve America’s archeological places and historical sites, including the information they contain, on federal lands. Among other things, this act authorizes the President to establish national monuments. Specifically, the act gives the President the authority to “declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on land owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments” (54 USC §320301(a)). Since 1906, U.S. presidents have used their authority under the Antiquities Act to set aside land almost 300 times.

National monument designation does not change valid existing rights and agreements. Instead, it provides additional opportunities for federal agencies to collaborate with tribes, states, local governments, the private sector, and non-profit partners to achieve shared goals for the management of monument lands. National monuments may be administered by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Land Management.

Berryessa Snow Mountain region. This area stretches from the shores of Lake Berryessa in Napa County to the flanks of Snow Mountain. It includes portions of Lake, Mendocino, Solano, and Yolo Counties. This area encompasses some 350,000 acres of public lands and is recognized as an important zone of biological diversity and scientific importance. It provides habitat for bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, river otters, and the rare Pacific fisher. There are native plants there that are found nowhere else. The area is also a major destination for outdoor recreation.

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. President Obama established this monument via Presidential Proclamation 9298 on July 10, 2015, to protect its rich biodiversity, including rare endemic species, unique serpentine outcrops, relic prairies, and riparian habitats. The proclamation dedicated about 330,780 acres of public land for inclusion in the monument boundary. About 197,214 acres are administered by the U.S. Forest Service, while the federal Bureau of Land Management administers the remaining 133,566 acres. In addition to providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife, the area is important for scientific study, prehistoric and historic preservation, and exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities. The area contains cultural and historic resources that are significant to over two dozen federally recognized tribes.

Comments

This resolution urges federal action to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by adding approximately 3,900 acres of land owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Lake County to the 330,000 acres of land already included in the monument. Federal action could take the form of Presidential proclamation via the Antiquities Act or Congressional action. There are two federal bills that would do the latter, HR 1396 and S 683, which are summarized further below. The land proposed for addition is known as the Walker Ridge Addition. The federal legislation would rename this ridge as Condor Ridge or Molok Luyuk, which translates as Condor Ridge in the Patwin language. The policy committee analysis provides a map of the monument and the proposed addition.

Both the author and supporters of the bill describe in detail the importance of this addition and its value to Californians, Native American tribes, and the environment in the “Arguments in Support” section of the policy committee analysis. It is worth noting that the land proposed for addition to the monument is already owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Adding the area to the monument would not change its ownership or alter any valid existing rights and agreements. Instead, the addition would layer new protections over the land and create new opportunities for management and collaboration, including with Native American tribes. Also, according to the California Natural Resources Agency, both the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and the land proposed for addition have already been counted towards the state’s 30x30 goal.

Related/Prior Legislation

Federal legislation

HR 1396 (Garamendi, 118^th Congress) modifies the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition and direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to administer the addition as part of the monument. The bill renames “Walker Ridge” as “Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk).” The bill is pending in the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

S 683 (Padilla, 118^th Congress) modifies the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition and direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to administer the addition as part of the monument. The bill renames “Walker Ridge” as “Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk).” The bill is on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Order.

State legislation

AJR 4 (Dodd, Resolution Chapter 19, Statutes of 2015) urged President Obama to use his authority under the federal Antiquities Act to establish a federal monument in the region known as Berryessa Snow Mountain.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: No Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 4/16/24)

Active San Gabriel Valley

Angela Tamblin Landscape Design

Audubon California

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, California Chapter

Beauty and the Beast: Wildflowers and Climate Change

Biodiversity Backpackers, INC

California Environmental Voters

California Institute for Biodiversity

California Native Plant Society

California Native Plant Society, Alta Peak Chapter

Californians for Western Wilderness

Californians for Western Wilderness

CalWild

Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks

Conservation Lands Foundation

Creation Justice Ministries

EcoFlight

Endangered Habitats League

Environment California

Environmental Protection Information Center

Forests Forever

ForEverGreen Forestry

Friends of Plumas Wilderness

Friends of the Amargosa Basin

Great Old Broads for Wilderness - Crest to Coast Broadband

Great Old Broads for Wilderness - Inland Empire Broadband

Klamath Forest Alliance

Lake County Natives

Latino Outdoors

Mojave Desert Land Trust

Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center

Native Habitats Landscape Design

Phytosphere Research

Planning and Conservation League

Redbud Audubon Society

Resource Renewal Institute

Salmon Protection and Watershed Network

Save the Sonoma Coast

Sierra Club California

Sonoma Mountain Preservation

The Wilderness Society

Transition Sonoma Valley

Tuleyome

Turtle Island Restoration Network

Vet Voice Foundation

Western Sonoma County Rural Alliance

117 individuals

OPPOSITION: (Verified 4/16/24)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to the author, “SJR 10 urges the President and Congress to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to add approximately 3,900 acres of land known as Walker Ridge. This Joint Resolution also endorses the passage of House bill 1396 and Senate bill 683 of the 118th Congress which would rename Walker Ridge to "Condor Ridge" (Molok Luyuk) and establish a collaborative management effort between the Federal Government and Indigenous Tribes. The expansion would improve access to the outdoor and contribute to Governor Newsom “30x30” land conservation goals and protect sacred tribal land and critical habitat for wildlife.”

Prepared by: Catherine Baxter / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116

4/17/24 10:31:39

**** END ****

10SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Dave Min, Chair

2023 - 2024 Regular

Bill No: SJR Hearing Date: April 15, 2024

Subject: Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act

SUMMARY

This Senate Joint Resolution would urge the U.S. President and Congress to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition.

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

Background.

30x30 initiative. 30x30 is an international movement to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters as intact natural ecosystems by 2030. It is a milestone to a larger goal to protect 50% of these areas by 2050 in order to halt and reverse the world’s extinction crisis. Almost 200 countries agreed to protect 30% of the planet by 2030 at the 2022 United Nations Biodiversity Conference of the Parties in Montreal, Canada under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

At the federal level, the Biden Administration launched the “America the Beautiful” initiative in 2021, which includes the first national conservation goal to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030. In California, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-82-20 in 2020, which adopted a goal to conserve at least 30% of California’s land and coastal waters by 2030. SB 337 (Min, Chapter 392, Statutes of 2023) later codified this goal. As of May 2023, the state has conserved 24.4% of lands and 16.2% of its coastal waters. To reach the goal, it must conserve approximately 5.6 million more acres of land and approximately 500,000 more acres of coastal waters.

Federal Antiquities Act. This act, passed in 1906, seeks to preserve America’s archeological places and historical sites, including the information they contain, on federal lands. Among other things, this act authorizes the President to establish national monuments. Specifically, the act gives the President the authority to “declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on land owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments” (Title 54 U.S. Codes (54 USC) §320301(a)).

Since 1906, U.S. presidents have used their authority under the Antiquities Act to set aside land almost 300 times.

National monument designation does not change valid existing rights and agreements. Instead, it provides additional opportunities for federal agencies to collaborate with tribes, states, local governments, the private sector, and non-profit partners to achieve shared goals for the management of monument lands. National monuments may be administered by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Land Management.

Berryessa Snow Mountain region. This area stretches from the shores of Lake Berryessa in Napa County to the flanks of Snow Mountain. It includes portions of Lake, Mendocino, Solano, and Yolo Counties. This area encompasses some 350,000 acres of public lands and is recognized as an important zone of biological diversity and scientific importance. It provides habitat for bald and golden eagles, black bears, mountain lions, tule elk, river otters, and the rare Pacific fisher. There are native plants there that are found nowhere else. The area is also a major destination for outdoor recreation.

Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. President Obama established this monument via Presidential Proclamation 9298 on July 10, 2015, to protect its rich biodiversity, including rare endemic species, unique serpentine outcrops, relic prairies, and riparian habitats. The proclamation dedicated about 330,780 acres of public land for inclusion in the monument boundary. About 197,214 acres are administered by the U.S. Forest Service, while the federal Bureau of Land Management administers the remaining 133,566 acres. In addition to providing essential habitat for fish and wildlife, the area is important for scientific study, prehistoric and historic preservation, and exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities. The area contains cultural and historic resources that are significant to over two dozen federally recognized tribes.

Map 1, located in the “Reference Maps” section at the end of this analysis, shows the boundaries of the monument.

Existing federal law:

1. Declares that it is a national policy to preserve for public use historic sites, buildings, and objects of national significance for the inspiration and benefit of the people of the United States. 54 USC §320101.
2. Authorizes the President to declare by public proclamation historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are situated on land owned or controlled by the Federal Government to be national monuments. 54 USC §320301.

Existing state law:

1. Establishes a goal of the state to conserve at least 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Public Resources Code (PRC) §71450.
2. Directs the California Natural Resources Agency, in implementing the 10 pathways and specific near-term priority actions described in the Pathways to 30x30 Report to achieve the 30x30 goal, to prioritize certain actions, including supporting tribal engagement and leadership in implementing the 30x30 goal. PRC §71451.

PROPOSED LAW

This Senate Joint Resolution would urge the U.S. President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition. Further, the resolution would endorse the passage of House Bill 1396 and Senate Bill 683 of the 118th Congress.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

According to the author, “SJR 10 urges the President and Congress to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to add approximately 3,900 acres of land known as Walker Ridge. This Joint Resolution also endorses the passage of House bill 1396 and Senate bill 683 of the 118th Congress which would rename Walker Ridge to "Condor Ridge" (Molok Luyuk) and establish a collaborative management effort between the Federal Government and Indigenous Tribes. The expansion would improve access to the outdoor and contribute to Governor Newsom “30x30” land conservation goals and protect sacred tribal land and critical habitat for wildlife.”

According to Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, “The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument sits close to both the San Francisco and Sacramento metropolitan areas, providing hunting and fishing opportunities for millions of people. BHA supports SJR 10 and hopes that its passage will increase the momentum for administrative action through use of the Antiquities Act to expand BSMNM and include Molok Luyuk in the conserved lands of the national monument.”

A coalition of supporters writes, “We are writing in support of Senate Joint Resolution 10 (SJR 10), Relative to the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, which supports adding Molok Luyuk, Condor Ridge in Patwin, to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. Expanding the Monument is an opportunity to protect a rare and rugged landscape that is Sacred to Native Americans, and renaming it Molok Luyuk honors its cultural significance to the Patwin people.”

“Molok Luyuk is a remarkable ecological treasure commanding views of much of Northern California. The landscape supports many habitats including chaparral, grasslands, forests of pine and cypress, oak woodlands, and areas influenced by serpentine soils, which are derived from ancient sea floor. Molok Luyuk is one of the most important areas of rare serpentine plant habitat in the state with a long list of documented rare and endemic species, including the beautiful blue Indian Valley brodiaea.”

“Molok Luyuk is also home to imperiled wildlife including bald and golden eagles, badgers, and peregrine falcons. It is a recognized wildlife migration corridor for a multitude of species, including tule elk, mountain lion, black bear, and bobcat.”

“Molok Luyuk is steeped in thousands of years of rich history and is culturally significant to numerous Native American tribes. A key goal of this effort is to establish co-management with federally recognized Tribes and return to an Indigenous name for these lands.”

“The proposed expansion would also help improve access to the outdoors for the region’s residents and help contribute to California’s goal of protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 (30x30).”

“The addition of Molok Luyuk to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument will preserve this irreplaceable biological and cultural hotspot and protect public enjoyment of the lands. The protection of Molok Luyuk has garnered widespread support, including congressional, Tribal, and community.”

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None received.

COMMENTS

The addition. This resolution urges federal action to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument by adding approximately 3,900 acres of land owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Lake County to the 330,000 acres of land already included in the monument. Federal action could take the form of Presidential proclamation via the Antiquities Act or Congressional action. There are two federal bills that would do the latter, HR 1396 and S 683, which are summarized further below. The land proposed for addition is known as the Walker Ridge Addition. The federal legislation would rename this ridge as Condor Ridge or Molok Luyuk, which translates as Condor Ridge in the Patwin language.

Map 2, located in the “Reference Maps” section at the end of this analysis, shows the area proposed to be added to the monument. The map is a little difficult to interpret, but the Walker Ridge Addition is the area to the east (right) of the body of water known as the Indian Valley Reservoir; it is shown in Map 2 via hatch marks. Map 1 includes an arrow showing where this area is located in relation to the full map of the monument.

Both the author and supporters of the bill describe in detail the importance of this addition and its value to Californians, Native American tribes, and the environment in the “Arguments in Support” section of this analysis. It is worth noting that the land proposed for addition to the monument is already owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Adding the area to the monument would not change its ownership or alter any valid existing rights and agreements. Instead, the addition would layer new protections over the land and create new opportunities for management and collaboration, including with Native American tribes. Also, according to the California Natural Resources Agency, both the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and the land proposed for addition have already been counted towards the state’s 30x30 goal.

Technical amendment. This resolution would resolve “that the State of California urges the President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 431 et seq.) to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition.” The code referenced is the original source for the Antiquities Act. However, in 2014, the Antiquities Act was recodified pursuant to P.L. 113-287 at 54 USC §§320101 et seq. The Committee may wish to consider amending the resolution to correct this code reference. [See Amendment 1]

Related legislation.

Federal legislation.

HR 1396 (Garamendi, 118^th Congress) would modify the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition and direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to administer the addition as part of the monument. This bill would rename “Walker Ridge” as “Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk).” This bill is pending in the House Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

S 683 (Padilla, 118^th Congress) would modify the boundary of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition and direct the U.S. Department of the Interior to administer the addition as part of the monument. This bill would rename “Walker Ridge” as “Condor Ridge (Molok Luyuk).” This bill is on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Order.

State legislation.

AJR 4 (Dodd, Res. Chapter 19, Statutes of 2015) urged President Obama to use his authority under the federal Antiquities Act to establish a federal monument in the region known as Berryessa Snow Mountain.

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS

AMENDMENT 1

Amend the first “resolved” clause, as follows:

Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the State of California urges the President to use the Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. Sec. 431 et seq.) (54 U.S.C. Sec. 320101 et seq.) to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include the Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition; and be it further

SUPPORT

Active San Gabriel Valley

Angela Tamblin Landscape Design

Audubon California

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, California Chapter

Beauty and the Beast: Wildflowers and Climate Change

Biodiversity Backpackers, INC

California Environmental Voters

California Institute for Biodiversity

California Native Plant Society

California Native Plant Society, Alta Peak Chapter

Californians for Western Wilderness

Californians for Western Wilderness

CalWild

Coalition to Protect Americas National Parks

Conservation Lands Foundation

Creation Justice Ministries

EcoFlight

Endangered Habitats League

Environment California

Environmental Protection Information Center

Forests Forever

ForEverGreen Forestry

Friends of Plumas Wilderness

Friends of the Amargosa Basin

Great Old Broads for Wilderness - Crest to Coast Broadband

Great Old Broads for Wilderness - Inland Empire Broadband

Klamath Forest Alliance

Lake County Natives

Latino Outdoors

Mojave Desert Land Trust

Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center

Native Habitats Landscape Design

Phytosphere Research

Planning and Conservation League

Redbud Audubon Society

Resource Renewal Institute

Salmon Protection and Watershed Network

Save the Sonoma Coast

Sierra Club California

Sonoma Mountain Preservation

The Wilderness Society

Transition Sonoma Valley

Tuleyome

Turtle Island Restoration Network

Vet Voice Foundation

Western Sonoma County Rural Alliance

117 individuals

OPPOSITION

None Received

REFERENCE MAPS

Map 1. Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Map 2. Walker Ridge (Molok Luyuk) Addition

-- END --