President Obama adds over one million acres to US national parkland.
On Friday, President Obama used his authority to create three new national parks. The move is sure to reinforce his legacy as one of the most environmentally friendly presidents of all time. The parks will be located in Nevada, California, and Texas.
Using the Antiquities Act, an obscure executive power dating back to the early 1900s, has added over 700,000 of parkland to Nevada’s Basin and Range. In addition, smaller protected areas will be established in California’s Berryessa Snow Mountain and Texas’ Waco Mammoth.
“With these new designations, President Obama will have used the Antiquities Act to establish or expand 19 national monuments,” said the White House press release. “Altogether, he has protected more than 260 million acres of public lands and waters – more than any other President.”
Today’s actions will add nearly one million acres to America’s national parkland.
The Basin and Range in Nevada is a wide expanse of iconic American landscape. Throughout the area, ancient rock art over 4000 years old has been found making the site an important resource for archaeologists and historians.
Waco Mammoth in Texas is also an important historical site. Here, the remains of 24 Columbian Mammoths have been found in well-preserved condition.
In California, the Berryessa Snow Mountain offers one-of-a-kind biodiversity. “Today’s action honors more than a decade of work by the local community to protect this beautiful landscape,” said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. “The Berryessa Snow Mountain region draws families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure, recreation, and the solitude that only nature can provide.”
President Obama did his best to ease the minds of skeptics, assuring the press that his actions were would have clear economic advantages as well as environmental ones.
“These monuments will also provide a boost to local economies by attracting visitors and generating more revenue and jobs for local communities, further supporting an outdoor recreation industry that already generates $646 billion in consumer spending each year.”
