Tribe champions monumental conservation effort in California

In a recent government meeting, a letter from President Joaquin to Assembly Member Diane Pepin highlighted the Fort Yuma Khutsan Indian Tribe's strong support for Senate Joint Resolution 16. This resolution advocates for the designation of the Khutsan National Monument and the Chakwala National Monument, as well as the expansion of Joshua Tree National Park in California.

The proposed Khutsan National Monument aims to protect over 390,000 acres of the tribe's ancestral lands located in Imperial County. The area is rich in cultural, ecological, recreational, and historical significance, featuring trails, delicate desert ecosystems, petroglyphs, geoglyphs, and lithics. Establishing this national monument would safeguard vital wildlife habitats, sacred sites, and the scenic beauty that defines the region.

The proposed boundaries of the monument also encompass critical environmental areas, including the Indian Pass area, Pilot Knob singer geoglyphs, Buzzards Peak, and Picacho Peak wilderness areas. The Fort Yuma Khutsan Indian Tribe expressed gratitude to Senator Padilla for authoring the resolution, emphasizing the importance of protecting and preserving the profound cultural and natural resources inherent to these lands.