San Gabriel Mountains National Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Gabriel Mountains National Monument |
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 San Gabriel Mountains National Monument
Location in the United States
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| Location | Los Angeles County, California, United States |
| Area | 346,177 acres (140,093 ha) |
| Established | October 10, 2014 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Website | San Gabriel Mountains National Monument |
The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument is a special protected area in California. It's like a huge outdoor classroom and playground! This monument is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It includes parts of the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest.
On October 10, 2014, President Barack Obama used a special law called the Antiquities Act to create this monument. This law helps protect important public lands. The monument covers a huge area of 346,177 acres in the San Gabriel Mountains. People have wanted to protect these mountains for a long time. The effort started over 100 years ago, in 1891! Back then, President Benjamin Harrison protected some of these lands as the San Gabriel Timberland Reserve. Two early nature lovers, Abbot Kinney and John Muir, helped inspire President Harrison.
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Exploring the San Gabriel Mountains
The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument covers the middle and northern parts of the San Gabriel Mountains. It stretches from Upper Sand Canyon to Telegraph Peak. Inside the monument, you'll find special wilderness areas like the Sheep Mountain Wilderness and the San Gabriel Wilderness.
Many tall peaks are within the monument's borders. These include Mount San Antonio, Mount Baden-Powell, and Throop Peak. The famous Silver Moccasin Trail also runs through the monument. It's important to know that the monument doesn't cover all of the San Gabriel Mountains. Some parts, especially in the south, are not included.
Why is this Area Protected?
The idea to protect the San Gabriel Mountains even more started in 2003. At that time, Congresswoman Hilda Solis asked for a study. She wanted to see if the area could become a National Monument.
How the Monument Was Created
President Barack Obama officially created the National Monument on October 10, 2014. He used the Antiquities Act to do this. This act allows presidents to protect important natural or historic places.
More than 15 million people live close to the San Gabriel Mountains. These mountains provide 70 percent of the natural open space for people in Los Angeles. They also supply 30 percent of their drinking water! Many people in Los Angeles County wanted this protection. About 80 percent of voters supported the idea.
The monument was created because people had asked for more environmental protection for many years. This area is very popular for visitors. There were worries about pollution and damage in the forests and rivers. Groups focused on Public health and Latino communities also pushed for protection. They saw it as a way to make sure everyone had access to nature and outdoor fun. They believed this could help with issues like childhood obesity, especially since Los Angeles County has few parks.
The government also decided to create the monument for other reasons. They wanted to protect animals and plants that are in danger. They also wanted to save important cultural sites. Plus, they worried about not having enough money to manage the area or about new buildings getting too close. Good news: all existing activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and cycling are still allowed!
Local leaders, like Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, were very happy about the monument. Many nature and community groups also celebrated. Not many people were against the idea. To help with any worries, the monument does not cover most of the southern parts of the mountains. It also does not include the towns in the area.
See also
In Spanish: Monumento Nacional de las Montañas de San Gabriel para niños
