Groups Call for Swift Action to Preserve Entire Proposed Monument
Washington, D.C. – In response to the announcement that President Biden will soon designate Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Nevada Conservation League (NCL) released the following statements:
“The lands and waters we protect help tell and teach the story of our country,” Craig Bakerjian, Nevada Conservation League Avi Kwa Ame Campaign Manager said. “The Avi Kwa Ame National Monument will contribute to a narrative of an America that protects culturally, biologically, historically, and economically important landscapes for our communities, and especially honors the stories of Indigenous communities which have often been denied historical recognition. This announcement is a testament to the hard work of tribes, local leaders, and activists who have worked collaboratively over the years to carefully craft a boundary that will fully honor the Tribes’ proposals, respecting the sacredness of Avi Kwa Ame as well as supporting the economic growth and vision of our gateway communities. We thank the Biden administration for building on the promise to conserve and restore our country’s lands and waters to address the climate crisis and Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen and Representatives Titus and Lee for their efforts to help protect Avi Kwa Ame in southern Nevada.”
“LCV thanks President Biden, Secretary Haaland and advocates from Indigenous, conservation, outdoor recreation, and local communities for their work to protect Avi Kwa Ame and urges the Biden-Harris administration to make this national monument a reality as soon as possible,” said LCV President Gene Karpinski. “Avi Kwa Ame is a sacred landscape to tribes in the region as well as habitat for rare and threatened wildlife and plants. A new national monument will strengthen opportunities for the state’s outdoor recreation economy and local gateway communities. LCV appreciates the leadership of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe as well as the efforts of Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen and Reps. Dina Titus and Susie Lee, and we hope to celebrate the designation of the entire proposed monument very soon.”
###