Local tribal leaders call on Biden to designate Chuckwalla National Monument

Tribal representatives in California are calling on President Biden to designate three national monuments before he leaves office, including the proposed Chuckwalla National Monument, which stretches from the east end of the Coachella Valley to the Colorado River.

The area holds environmental and cultural significance, but tribal leaders are worried time is running out to protect it, with fears that the incoming administration will threaten the land. During his first term, Trump reduced the area of two national monuments in Utah. Biden later reversing that.

Advocates are hoping to protect Chuckwalla's natural resources from being extracted, including lithium.

Environmentalists say it's one of the most biodiverse areas in the country, but a delicate one. It's home to the endangered desert tortoise and countless other critters.

Tribal leaders like Thomas Tortez, tribal council chairman of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla, are also hoping to preserve it's history.

“It’s cultural, it’s spiritual, we have a deep connection with this land. Our ancestors, my grandfather, great grandfathers always spoke of stories and creation stories about how we migrated to this area and were created from this area.”

Thomas Tortez, Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla tribal council chairman

But there is some opposition. City leaders in Blythe, near the Colorado River, have expressed concerns about how it could impact future development in their area.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.