WASHINGTON, DC – To thank President Obama’s San Gabriel Mountains National Monument designation last week, the League of Conservation Voters has launched a social media advertising campaign thanking the president for his continued leadership on land conservation. Facebook ads have started running and target environmentally minded and Latino Facebook users.  

“We’re letting people in our increasingly diverse country know that President Obama is standing with local communities who want their lands permanently protected and accessible for all Americans.  The creation of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is a win for all of us who love the outdoors but it is a particularly special moment for the many local Latino families who treasure these mountains and rivers and worked for their protection,” said Alex Taurel, Deputy Legislative Director at the League of Conservation Voters.  “We thank President Obama for recognizing that our system of parks and monuments must continue evolving to reflect a changing America.” 

The ad reads, “Is Obama the next Teddy Roosevelt? President Obama just designated our newest national monument, California’s majestic San Gabriel Mountains!  Obama has now protected 260 MILLION acres of land and water, ensuring that our natural treasures are preserved for years to come.”

After more than a decade of work by local community groups and individuals working to protect this special place—including Latino groups such as Amigos de los Rios—President Obama has again shown his administration’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to craft a national monument that is an overall win for the community.  The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument means increased outdoor access for millions of local residents and permanent protection for an area that represents 70% of Los Angeles County’s open space and serves as a source for one-third of the area’s drinking water supply.

The President’s designation permanently protects nearly 350,000 acres of mountains, forests and rivers in Los Angeles County.  A recent survey of LA County voters showed overwhelming support for conserving the San Gabriels, with 4 out of 5 voters supporting permanent protection.   What’s more, the survey revealed even stronger support for this move among Latinos, with 88% wanting permanent protection.  

This is the 11th new national monument designated by President Obama, who used his authority to protect this area under the Antiquities Act. Republican and Democratic Presidents alike have used this tool to protect iconic places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty and Arches National Park. With Congress refusing to advance dozens of bipartisan, locally-supported bills to create new national parks and other conservation areas, it’s more important than ever that President Obama continue responding to local communities who want their lands permanently protected to boost tourism and quality of life. 

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