New national monument secures tribal lands

Sáttítla highlands designated as national monument

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today celebrated the Administration's designation of the Sáttítla Highlands National Monument, a significant step in preserving Northern California's Tribal lands and biodiversity.

This new national monument, covering nearly 225,000 acres, safeguards a landscape rich in history and natural resources.

"This landscape, which has been occupied by Indigenous peoples for more than 5,000 years, continues to be integral to Tribal religious and cultural practices despite a history of forced dispossession," Vilsack stated.

The new monument spans nearly 225,000 acres across the Modoc, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath National Forests, safeguarding unique geological features, rare flora and fauna, and crucial underground aquifers.

In addition to its environmental significance, the monument designation supports local communities by safeguarding water sources and enhancing recreational and scenic values. It also advances initiatives for wildfire prevention and resilience in surrounding areas.

The USDA continues to touch lives positively under the Administration, promoting resilient food systems and fair markets while ensuring equitable access to resources. For more on their efforts, visit USDA.