photo credit: Courtesy of SCPR.org
A meadow at Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.

Last year, environmental groups and Tribes rallied behind a proposed expansion of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. It stretches from Napa to Mendocino counties.  

The expansion involves a swath of land excluded from the monument’s original designation in 2015. It’s also referred to as Molok Luyuk, which means Condor Ridge in Patwin. Advocates say the land is a haven of biological diversity and holds special significance for Tribes in the area.

Sandra Schubert is the executive director of the conservation nonprofit Tuleyome. She said attempts to make the expansion happen through congressional legislation stalled.

"We’d still love to see the legislation pass… but it doesn't look like that's going to happen in this Congress," Schubert said. "So we are pursuing a Antiquities Act presidential proclamation, adding Molok Luyuk to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. That is what we’re most hopeful will be the avenue to success."

Under the Antiquities Act of 1906, the Biden Administration has the power to expand the Berryessa monument. Schubert said part of that process includes proving local backing.

"So what we need to do now is we need to continue to focus, continue to build the groundswell and the broadened support," Schubert said. 

Schubert said she’s encouraged by local support for the expansion she saw in a public meeting organized by the Bureau of Land Management in December, adding these events often precede the recognition of a monument.