REI Co-op celebrates the expansion of National Monuments

SEATTLE - REI Co-op celebrates the expansion of both the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. We applaud the leadership of Tribal Nations and local communities who fought to protect these treasured public lands. With the official expansion of these two monuments, President Biden has permanently protected nearly 120,000 additional acres of public lands across California.  

Protecting these close-to-home public lands is vitally important. Across the country, REI employees and members generated more than 65,000 petition signatures in support of public lands protections, including the expansion for the San Gabriel Mountains and Berryessa Snow Mountain. With growing recreation demand and mounting pressures on public lands, now is the time to double down on efforts to protect our lands and waters.  

Last year, REI Co-op launched the Outside in 5 initiative to help bring nature closer to home for millions of people in America. The protection of landscapes with critical economic, recreational, historical, and cultural value is a critical component of our comprehensive strategy to help improve access to the outdoors. Join us in voicing your support through the REI Cooperative Action Network as we work alongside partners to establish additional monuments. 

About the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument 

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is the backdrop of daily life for more than 18 million people who live within a 90-mile radius of the mountains in Southern California. The unique cultural resources within the 105,919-acre expansion area, proximity to culturally diverse neighborhoods and provision of fresh water to the broader Los Angeles region make this particularly important to REI employees and members. 

About the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument  
Stretching from Napa to Mendocino County, Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument provides recreation and renewal for thousands of people. REI Co-op has supported the efforts of Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and other local tribes to expand the eastern edge of the monument to include Molok Luyuk, which means “Condor Ridge” in Patwin, an area of cultural and spiritual importance to tribes. The expansion adds 13,696 acres of public lands, with unparalleled views of Mount Shasta, for the enjoyment of everyone.  

About the REI Co-op