Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean joined other local officials from across the Southland to commemorate the signing of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Plan in Arcadia on Thursday, October 10.

Other organizations represented included the Angeles National Forest National Environmental Policy Act Team, United States Forest Service Enterprise NEPA Team and San Gabriel Mountains Community Collaborative.

At the event, McLean was honored for her support and contribution to the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument Plan by Jerome Perez, the Angeles National Forest supervisor.

“I know that many people have worked tirelessly to preserve, enhance, and provide increased access to both the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains for many years,” McLean said.

“This feat could not have been achieved if it were not for the collaboration and partnership of federal, state, regional and local offices and organizations that have worked together to better protect and preserve the natural resources and waterways included in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument,” she said.

The 346,177 acres of existing federal lands were designated as the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument on October 10, 2014, by President Barack Obama.

Photo: Dianne Erskine-Hellrigel

The designation has helped ensure that SGMNM remains a benefit for all Americans through rock art that provides a glimpse into ancient civilizations, an observatory that brought the world the cosmos, and thousands of miles of streams, hiking trails and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

Soaring high above the Los Angeles Basin, SGMNM also includes working lands that provide Los Angeles area residents 70 percent of their available open space and 30 percent of their drinking water. The monument serves as the backyard to the nation’s second-largest urban center.

“It was my pleasure to be in attendance with Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger and representatives from the offices of Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congressman Adam Schiff, and Supervisor Hilda Solis to offer congratulations to the U.S. Forest Service NEPA Team, Angeles National Forest NEPA Team, San Gabriel Mountains Community Collaborative individuals and organizations that have worked diligently and collaboratively to develop this monument plan,” McLean said.