California Desert Treasures Designated for Protection

Presbyterian and other Christian leaders, in a show of ecumenical support for the care and reverence of creation, released a letter today thanking President Obama and other government leaders for permanently protecting public lands. The action establishes three new national monuments, Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains, in the California desert.The national monument designation means these areas are closed to new extractive uses such as mining and oil and gas development. The letter, addressed to the President, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and California Senator Diane Feinstein, expressed gratitude for preserving the land which “improves the chances of survival for many of God’s beautiful and unique creatures. Read more…