Rep. Chu Continues to Invite Stakeholders to Offer Input on National Monument

Continuing the outreach and conversations she has held with community officials, advocacy and recreation groups, utilities, and others, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) has restated her invitation to hear from all stakeholders about the proposal to establish a National Monument in the San Gabriel Mountains.

“It has been my longtime goal to enhance the majesty of the San Gabriel Mountains in a sustainable way that protects existing rights. This is why I have proposed designating this area as a National Monument. Input from the community has been critical to this process. After extensive outreach and input, I am proud to have received broad support from local leaders and governments on this proposal, including representatives from water districts, state elected officials, colleagues in Congress, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, and a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. In addition, there was an incredible turnout at the National Forest Service’s community meeting in August,” said Rep. Chu. “But this important conversation is still ongoing. I continue to welcome all input.”

The effort to protect the San Gabriel Mountains started eleven and a half years ago with the introduction of a bill by then-Representative Hilda Solis. The result was a 10-year study by the National Park Service, which included 66 stakeholder meetings, and 16,800 public comments, most overwhelmingly in support of more resources for the San Gabriel Mountains and Rivers. After the release of the study, Representative Judy Chu spent one and a half years drafting a bill on the San Gabriel Mountains and Rivers, conducting over 40 stakeholder meetings, earning the support of the San Gabriel Council of Governments and the San Gabriel Valley Water Association.

The Antiquities Act of 1906 gives the President the authority to declare historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest that are on federal land to be national monuments.