Op-ed: Voices of today’s conservationists must be heard

This piece originally appeared as an op-ed in the Nevada Independent on March 31st

Written by Mo Denis, former Nevada State Senator  and HECHO’s Advisory Board Member

Like many Nevadans and as a former state senator, I believe that the designation of Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument is an excellent addition to the protected areas in my home state and a beautiful example of conservation in Nevada. The Fort Mojave and other Native American tribes from the area have done a remarkable job advocating and influencing this vital movement for the conservation of this land. 

The Monumental Shift coalition, a platform for people including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and other marginalized populations to share and contribute to conservation in an authentic and significant way, advocated for the designation of Avi Kwa Ame, or Spirit Mountain, in Nevada and Castner Range in Texas as national monuments.

I am pleased that President Joe Biden listened to the request for the urgent protection of Avi Kwa Ame and Castner Range and used his authority granted by the Antiquities Act to designate them national monuments, both supported by Indigenous peoples, Hispanic communities, local lawmakers, sportsmen and women, among many others.

The Antiquities Act has great value to our country and our communities, but only if it is used equitably and with the right decision-makers at the table.

Read full op-ed here.