21. Hidden Desert Treasure: Protecting Public Lands & Chuckwalla National Monument Update

Planet People Podcast

Several conservation, veteran, and recreation organizations have filed motions to intervene in a lawsuit defending the Chuckwalla National Monument designation. The monument, established in January 2025 on desert lands in California's Riverside and Imperial Counties, is being challenged by an Idaho-based motorized recreation group and a Michigan miner. The intervening organizations, including CactusToCloud Institute, spent years collaborating with Tribes, veterans, and community members to identify the area's unique tribal resources and values worthy of protection. Chuckwalla National Monument protects lands significant to 13 Tribal Nations while ensuring equitable access for outdoor recreation including camping, OHV use, and hunting. The designation has broad support from local Tribes, governments, elected officials, veterans, 300+ businesses, and 370+ scientists.

RAY OF HOPE:

Despite legal challenges, the coalition's intervention represents a unified front of diverse stakeholders committed to protecting Chuckwalla's irreplaceable desert landscapes, tribal heritage, and recreational opportunities. The broad-based support from local communities, Tribal Nations, veterans, scientists, and businesses demonstrates that conservation efforts built on genuine collaboration and community input create lasting, defendable protections. Organizations continue working to ensure equitable access while safeguarding the monument's ecological, cultural, and historical values for future generations.

CONNECT:

Follow our guests CactusToCloud Institute on Instagram: @cactustocloud

Connect with other organizations defending the monument:

• Earthjustice: @earthjustice
• Sierra Club: @sierraclub
• Center for Biological Diversity: @centerforbiodiv

RESOURCES:

• Protect Chuckwalla website - Learn more about community support

• Earthjustice Press Release - Full legal filing details

• CactusToCloud Institute - Local advocacy and education

• Bureau of Land Management - Monument management information

CALL TO ACTION:

Call Your Representatives! Contact your members of Congress to express support for Chuckwalla National Monument and the use of the Antiquities Act to protect important public lands. Let them know that monument designations have bipartisan support and benefit local economies, protect tribal heritage, and ensure recreational access for all Americans.

Find your representatives:

• House: house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
• Senate: senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm

Sample message: "I support Chuckwalla National Monument and urge you to defend the president's authority under the Antiquities Act to protect our public lands for current and future generations."