NRDC President: Obama Preserves Vital Lands and Stories of America

Designating Five New National Monuments Safeguards Wild Lands, Historic Sites

WASHINGTON (March 25, 2013) – President Obama designated five new national monuments today: Rio Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico; First State National Monument in Delaware; Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument in Maryland; Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio; and San Juan Islands National Monument in Washington state.

Following is a statement from Natural Resources Defense Council President Frances Beinecke:

“President Obama’s action today preserves our irreplaceable landscapes, and cultural and historic landmarks that tell the story of our nation. Americans now and in the future will better understand the vital ecology, diversity and contributions of these lands and landmarks, thanks to their designation as national monuments.

“This is an outstanding model for protecting America’s heritage that we hope will be replicated in other parts of the United States.

“Our national monuments are part of the larger public parks and land system that helps to preserve, for all time, the rich natural legacy we cherish, one of the greatest parts of the inheritance we share as Americans and have a duty to protect for generations to come.”