When you think of America, our country's vast, beautiful public lands and diverse heritage are what come to many people's minds. Americans overwhelmingly love their national parks and monuments—it’s not only about preserving untouched lands and wildlife; it’s about protecting our history. Here, four individuals from across the United States remind us what’s at stake in the fight to save our national treasures.
San Gabriel Mountains
California
To civil rights attorney Robert Garcia, the San Gabriel Mountains, just north of Los Angeles, are a source of joyful childhood memories. If the Trump administration shrinks or eliminates our national monuments, it will “violate the will of the people” and rob communities, particularly the underserved, of those experiences.
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks
New Mexico
Archaeologist Angel Peña explains how communities and their stories are preserved, like a “history book,” within Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and other national monuments. That’s why access to, and protection of, public lands is important for everyone—including his little girl.
African Burial Ground
New York
Audrey Peterman, a park conservationist, describes how the African Burial Ground preserves hallowed space in a city where real estate is the most valuable resource. The Trump administration’s attempt to strip protections from our national monuments means we could lose the stories of people “forgotten”—forever.
Gold Butte
Nevada
The stunning colors and incredible serenity of Gold Butte, with its ancient rock art and rich wildlife, are just part of what draws former BLM employee Hillerie Patton back to this national monument. It’s the protections currently in place that preserve its peaceful qualities for everyone.
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