On Friday, October 10th, 2014 between noon and 1:30pm President Obama is scheduled to make a statement at Bonelli Park in San Dimas , CA to announce his plans to use his executive order to create a San Gabriel Mountains National Monument which would encompass 350,000 acres of public land. This marks the 11th time President Obama has used his executive power to establish a National Monument without congressional approval.
An opposition rally will be held at the event in Bonelli Park to express citizens and local leaders’ concerns about the fast-tracked proposal.
Location:
Friday, October 10th 2014 at 12noon-2pm
Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park at the Swim Beach
120 E. Via Verde Drive
San Dimas, CA 91773
The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument proposal is a surprising bypass of the democratic process and does not follow standard protocol for creating national monuments, which usually require years of formal study and community outreach. Two months ago, on August 18th, 2014 Congresswoman Judy Chu asked the President to use his executive order to fast-track her legislative bill, HR4858, which calls for the creation of a “San Gabriel Mountains National Recreation Area.” This bill is being reviewed by a Congressional committee and does not currently have enough support to pass. However, the President has stated he will use the Antiquities Act of 1906 to create a National Monument as early as this month without a vote. The National Recreation Area requested by Congresswoman Chu’s HR4858 is not be interchangeable with a National Monument because they have differing land use implications and legal consequences which have not been studied.
Additionally, local elected leaders have concerns over the impact to our water supply if the San Gabriel River is included in a National Monument. Many foothill cities receive their drinking water from this river, which could be restricted. Additionally, recreation access and land usage will be altered if this plan is implemented. New fees and permits are expected and winter sports, off road biking and hiking, atvs, rifle ranges, horseback riding and many other activities could be curtailed. Originally, Rep. Chu stated that an additional 270,000 acres the San Bernardino Mountains were also going to be included, but after strong objections from local leaders she backed down this week and removed San Bernardino and Mt. Baldy from the plan.
