California Desert's "Incredible Wildlife" Too Important to Leave Unprotected

Home to hundreds of wildlife species and striking vistas, the proposed Sand to Snow national monument is also "one of the most botanically diverse mountain ranges in the country," desert conservationist April Sall says.

Californians and other Americans—as well as visitors from all over the world—have long been drawn to the California desert's painted mountains, animal life, 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