Avi Kwa Ame Proclaimed National Monument

Late last month, President Biden took time during a conservation summit to name an area near Boulder City, known as Avi Kwa Ame a national monument. This designation comes after years of petitioning by conservation activists and local Native American groups. "We're protecting pieces of history, telling our story that will be told for generations upon generations to come," he said. This marks the fourth such designation in the state of Nevada.

The land, considered sacred by by Yuman-speaking tribes (Mojave, Chemehuevi, and Paiute) in southern Nevada, would is only the second monument specifically designated to honor Native Americans, while also preserving the land from future development. The area is home to species like the desert tortoise, desert bighorn sheep, and Gila monster. It also contains Native American petroglyphs near Hiko Springs. It is also the site of one of the largest Joshua tree forests in the world.

The President's designation was made under the Antiquities Act of 1906, a piece of legislation that allows Presidents to set aside land for preservation when it meets specific guidelines.

“The president’s action today will safeguard hundreds of thousands of acres of cultural sites, desert habitats, and natural resources in southern Nevada, which bear great cultural, ecological, and economic significance to our state,” read a statement by the Honor Avi Kwa Ame coalition, a group made up of tribal leaders, community activists, local municipalities, conservation groups, and others. You can see a map of the area by CLICKING HERE. Further information about the monument can be found at the group's website HERE.

We previously reported on these efforts HERE. We are glad to see this come to pass! Nevada is a beautiful state with many wonderful places to visit. Now others will also realize the significance of Avi Kwa Ame.