California Coastal National Monument

Several California leaders in Congress are stepping up to help secure protection for special places in the state as part of the California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act. The bill would designate approximately 6,200 acres of existing U.S. Department of the Interior lands in Humboldt, Santa Cruz, and San Luis Obispo Counties under the California Coastal National Monument.  

The current California Coastal National Monument is made up of 20,000 rocks and islands, and one on-shore area. Designated in 2000 by President Bill Clinton, the monument is managed by the Bureau of Land Management with cooperation from community groups around the state.

National Monument designation recognizes the importance of these lands, including their exceptional historical, cultural, scientific, ecological and recreational values.  Designation means protection, local and community-based management, and opportunities for funding conservation work. 

The proposed California Coastal National Monument Expansion Act would add five areas to the monument, greatly expanding its scope and allowing these priceless special places to be protected for the future