California Desert Needs Protection: "Designation Means Destination"

See the stunning, fragile California desert habitats that are close to being designated as national monuments. "Designation means destination," says filmmaker Eva Soltes. "It puts [the three proposed areas] on the map, literally, and it puts them in tourist guides."

Californians and other Americans—as well as visitors from all over the world—have long been drawn to the California desert's painted mountains, diverse wildlife, Native American petroglyphs, and rich history.

Now we have a historic opportunity to protect special places in the California desert that hold extraordinary historical, cultural, ecological, and economic value. After working for nearly a decade on legislative efforts to protect the California Desert, we are turning to President Obama to designate the Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow, and Castle Mountains areas as national monuments.

More videos and facts on U.S. wilderness conservation: http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/americas-wilderness