For years, the communities we represent have called for the creation of Chuckwalla National Monument. Located south of Joshua Tree National Park, this monument is about more than protecting land—it’s about strengthening our economy, preserving our shared history, and honoring the service and sacrifice of those who came before us.
We want to be clear: Chuckwalla National Monument enjoys strong, bipartisan support. Tribal leaders, veterans, business owners, and local elected officials have joined together to back this effort, and the voices of many of our constituents—who have written, called, and spoken up—deserve to be heard.
Safeguarding these lands makes sense for our economy. More than 300 businesses, as well as Chambers of Commerce and eight cities across the region, support Chuckwalla because they know it will mean more jobs and more tourism. Visitors already come from around the world to experience Joshua Tree National Park and our desert public lands. Research from Visit Greater Palm Springs shows that potential visitors are looking for activities in nature and the outdoors. By elevating Chuckwalla as a national monument, we can bring even greater recognition and economic opportunity to our communities.
Chuckwalla National Monument is also sacred ground for local tribes who have cared for these lands for thousands of years. Seven tribes led the charge for this designation: the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, the Cahuilla Band of Indians, the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, the Colorado River Indian Tribes, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. Their voices were backed with a resolution of support from the National Congress of American Indians. We have met with tribal leaders and heard directly about the deep cultural and spiritual importance of this landscape. Protecting Chuckwalla means ensuring this history is honored and passed down to future generations.
These lands also carry our nation’s military history. During World War II, this region was part of the Desert Training Center—where American soldiers trained for combat overseas. Camp Young, located within Chuckwalla, still bears the remnants of that history. American soldiers came to this region to prepare for desert warfare, and if you visit the monument, you can still see remnants of their camps and be reminded of their sacrifices. As a veteran, Jeff knows firsthand the importance of preserving these stories. Protecting Chuckwalla National Monument is a tribute to those who served and a reminder of the freedoms we cherish today.
That is why Chuckwalla has earned support from across the political spectrum. It reflects our shared values: respect for tribal heritage, commitment to our economy, and honor for our military history.
These lands belong to the people of our region, and our voices should matter in shaping their future. Together, let’s make sure Chuckwalla National Monument is preserved—not only for what it represents, but for what it will continue to provide: good jobs, educational opportunities, and pride in the place we call home.
Our message is simple: the people of this region strongly support Chuckwalla National Monument.
Assemblymembers Jeff Gonzalez from the 36th District and Greg Wallis from the 47th District represent the Coachella Valley along with diverse communities in Riverside, Imperial, and San Bernardino Counties.
