Members of Congress are proposing an expansion to the national monument by over 109,000 acres, increasing its size by nearly a third.

In an attempt to expand wilderness protections to the mountains and foothills just north of the Los Angeles Basin, California Representative Judy Chu and Senator Alex Padilla have asked President Biden to add 109,167 acres to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, an act that would help to preserve an area that is rich in historical and ecological significance and is within only an hour’s drive of 18 million people.
The move would increase the monument by about a third and extend its boundaries to various San Fernando Valley neighborhoods, including park-poor Pacoima and Sylmar. It would also give the U.S. Forest Service greater ability to protect natural resources and manage crowds in areas not included in the 2014 monument designation by then-President Obama.
The proposal to expand the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument comes at a time when the Biden administration has committed to safeguarding Indigenous, cultural and environmental sites under its “America the Beautiful” initiative, which seeks to conserve 30% of the nation’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. Aligning with and expanding on this effort, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the 2022 Parks Needs Assessment Plus (PNA+) Final Report as the county’s 30×30 plan on December 6, 2022.
For more information, please read the source article.
FULL STORY: Expansion proposed for the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.

‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions