Rep. Chu Statement From San Gabriel Mountains National Monument One Year Anniversary Celebration

PASADENA, CA – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) spoke and participated in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument One Year Anniversary Celebration. The event was organized by the National Forest Service, conservation groups, local stakeholders and partners. Attendees participated in tours that featured the history of the San Gabriel Mountains, and rehabilitation projects involving a sign unveiling, painting, planting, and cleanup. Rep. Chu, who has led the effort to protect the mountains through legislation and by calling on President Obama to take executive action, released the following statement:

"Today is more than a celebration - it is a call to action. For so many years, conservation groups, environmentalists, mountain bikers, youth crews, business owners, hikers, fishers, and families fought so hard to create this National Monument. That declaration, which occurred one year ago, opened the door to millions of dollars in federal appropriations and private donations. We already see new trails, multilingual signs, and crews that are making the area safer and cleaner. So now, with greater collaboration and public input than ever before, we must work together to keep these rivers, mountains, and forests safe for generations to come. And that care was clearly on display today.

"I particularly want to thank the U.S. Forest Service for making today's event possible. It was so wonderful to take part in the various rehabilitation efforts like painting, clean up, and planting new vegetation. I am proud to finally have the National Monument designation our mountains deserve, and even more proud to take part in today's celebration with so many dedicated lovers of the San Gabriel Mountains.

In addition to the U.S. Forest Service, also taking part in today's event were representatives from the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Coalition, the Leadership Academy, Water Conservation Authority, National Forest Foundation, San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps, and area school children.

On October 10, 2014, President Obama designated 346,177 acres of land within the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests as the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.