Bill to Expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Garners Bipartisan Support in Congress

Sandy Schubert • August 3, 2022

Panorama of Molok Luyuk Looking West

Last Thursday, July 14th, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Act, H.R. 6366, as an amendment to the bipartisan FY23 National Defense Authorization Act. Yesterday, Thursday, July 21st, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed the Senate companion, S. 4080, with unanimous and bipartisan support. Tuleyome, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, and other advocates are thrilled this legislation, which would permanently protect a unique Northern California landscape, has received bipartisan support in the Senate and the House.


“Glad to see my bill to expand the existing Berryessa Snow National Monument and give Tribal governments a seat at the table to better manage and care for these sacred Tribal lands move forward today,” said Senator Padilla (D-CA). “The sacred lands within and around the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument are central to thousands of years of tribal origin stories,” “It is our duty to protect the abundant natural resources and the rich history on Molok Luyuk for today’s children and for future generations, and I look forward to working to ensure we see this bill to fruition.”


The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act would add an adjacent 3,925 acre area of public lands to the current Monument, support tribal co-management, and change the name of the additional wildlands from “Walker Ridge” to Molok Luyuk—Patwin for “Condor Ridge”—a name the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation provided. The Act will help permanently protect an area that is culturally significant to local Native American tribes, increase equitable and safer access to the outdoors for the region’s residents, and help preserve wildlife corridors and the area’s distinct biodiversity. 


“We are thrilled to see this legislation pass through the senate and grateful to the leadership of Senators Padilla and Feinstein in the work to expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument,” said Sandra Schubert, Executive Director of Tuleyome. “Molok Luyuk is a treasure. As neighbors we have long appreciated its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, rare plants, and indigenous cultural value. This is exciting progress in the effort to protect Molok Luyuk from current and future threats while respecting Tribal stewardship over the lands.”

Exciting progress, made only because of our champions, Representatives Garamendi and Thompson and Senators Padilla and Feinstein, and you! Without your support we wouldn’t be here.


Yet, there is more to be done. Click here to learn more about Molok Luyuk and how you can help protect this special, rugged place.


Or, attend my lecture next Thursday, the 28th.


-Sandra Schubert


Executive Director

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