Monumental Questions - What is the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act?

On July 27, 2021 Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA03) released a discussion draft of the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act for public review and comment. The proposed legislation would expand Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument to include nearly 4,000 acres of federally owned land, the Lake County portion of Walker Ridge, known as Molok (ma.lok) Luyuk (lue.yoke) - Condor Ridge - in Patwin. It will also require a monument management plan within one year of enactment. This management plan will ensure appropriate protection, restoration and management of the Monument.
Walker Ridge, Molok Lyuk, has thousands of years of history and is culturally significant to numerous Native American Tribes. The Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act will require the Bureau of Land Management and United States Forest Service to coordinate with and include federally recognized tribes in the management plan.
The ridgeline and the surrounding is home to Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos), badger (Taxidea taxus), ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), and Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus). It is also a vital wildlife migration pathway for many species including Columbian Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), mountain lions (Puma concolor), black bear (Urus americanus), bobcats (Lynx rufus), and tule elk (Cervus candensis nannodes).
In addition to the many animals that rely on Condor Ridge, the unusual serpentine soil along the ridge provides a home for rare plants species including the adobe lily (Fritillaria pluriflora) and scythleaf onion (Allium falcifolium).
The act will protect these special areas and secure recreation opportunities for mountain bikers, hikers, off-highway vehicle users, campers, equestrians, and dark sky seekers. These recreational opportunities help boost the local economy.
Tuleyome and California Native Plant Society worked with EcoFlight to produce a video that showcases the wonders of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and Walker Ridge. Check it out on YouTube. Learn more about Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument and the Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument Expansion Act on Tuleyome’s website.
-Nate Lillge; nlillge@tuleyome.org
Adventures and Engagement Director
Certified California Naturalist
RECENT ARTICLES

