President Biden Expands Berry Mountain Snow Monument

Today, President Biden used his authority under the Antiquities Act to expand the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument in Northern California. The expanded monument will include Molok Luyuk, a ridge on the eastern edge of the existing monument that includes 13,753 acres of BLM-managed public lands in Lake and Colusa Counties.

Elected federal officials Senator Alex Padilla, the late Senator Diane Feinstein, Representative John Garamendi, and Representative Mike Thompson, joined the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in calling on President Biden to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument using the Antiquities Act.

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, which requested the expansion, has a long and significant connection to Molok Luyuk, stretching back thousands of years. The ridge includes areas where religious ceremonies are practiced and sites that were central to vital trading routes. The monument expansion also returns an Indigenous name to the ridge. Molok Luyuk is Patwin for “Condor Ridge” and is a name provided by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation. Currently, the area is referred to as “Walker Ridge.”

“We thank President Biden for signing the proclamation expanding the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and protecting Molok Luyuk, an area steeped in thousands of years of rich history and profound meaning to the Patwin people, whose traditional territory stretches south from these hills to the shores of San Pablo Bay and east to the Sacramento River. Elements of the natural landscape on the ridge have traditional cultural significance to us. We look forward to the day when condors fly over Molok Luyuk once again.”

Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Tribal Council of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

A key provision in this effort includes establishing co-management between the Patwin tribes in Yolo and Colusa counties and the Bureau of Land Management. Other tribes whose lands lie within the existing monument are also supportive of these efforts. Signing this proclamation reflects the continued commitment of the Biden Administration to engage with Tribal Nations and explore consultations, co-stewardship agreements, and other methods of ensuring Tribes can collaborate on the management of their Indigenous lands.

“Molok Luyuk is a special and sacred place for area Tribes and for many residents who enjoy recreation activities like hiking and mountain biking. The natural beauty of our homelands also drives tourism, which is key to the economic vitality of the region. The President protecting these beautiful lands is a gift to future generations.”

Lake County Supervisor E.J. Crandell, Robinson Rancheria Tribe

A coalition of local, state, and national organizations; community members and recreationists; businesses; neighboring landowners; and a variety of environmental scientists, support protecting Molok Luyuk. In December, BLM and USDA hosted a community listening session attended by more than 200 community members. Over 75 people spoke, all in unanimous support of the expansion.

“As an avid OHV recreationist, I am thrilled at the expansion of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include Molok Luyuk. The permanent protection of Molok Luyuk will improve the management of these lands and increase public access to recreation opportunities. This is a win-win for our community. I am grateful for President Biden using the Antiquities Act to expand the monument and protect these lands for future generations to enjoy.”

Don Amador, former chair of the CA State Park Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission and an OHV user

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation thanks President Biden for recognizing the importance of this land to the Patwin people and supporting the expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation

The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation is a self-governed, sovereign nation that supports our citizens by strengthening our culture, stewarding our land, and creating economic independence for future generations. We are committed to building strong communities and developing effective partnerships with our neighbors in California’s Capay Valley and regionally in Yolo, Solano, Colusa, Lake, and Napa Counties, where our people have lived from time immemorial. (www.yochadehe.gov)

Contact: Crystal Smyth Schneider
csmyth@yochadehe.gov