NORTHSTATE, Calif. — The American Forest Resource Council (AFRC) is concerned about the damage this monument could potentially cause to its work to limit the risk of wildfires.

Sáttítla National Monument would span more than 200,000 acres of federal land in the Shasta-Trinity, Klamath and Modoc national forests.

A representative from the Pit River National Tribal Council previously expressedthe importance of preserving the land not only for the tribe but also for future generations, stating that there are cultural and environmental reasons for wanting to preserve this land.

However, the AFRC is concerned about the implications of protecting these lands.

“Our concern is that we are in the middle of a serious wildfire crisis and California is the epicenter of the wildfire crisis. Designating a monument does not facilitate the active management of these lands or reduce the risk of wildfires,” said Nick Smith, AFRC public affairs director.

Smith said the monument area includes or is adjacent to more than a dozen high-hazard fire ponds and that while they share the values ​​of healthy air, water and ecosystems , the AFRC believes it puts tribal, cultural and environmental values ​​at greater risk.

They say the monument would overlap with Biden administration initiatives such as the wildfire crisis strategy, the National Old Growth Amendment and the Northwest Forest Plan amendment.

Lawmakers like Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Adam Schiff support the monument because they recognize the land as sacred to the Pit River and Modoc Nations.

The creation of this monument would also contribute to their goal of permanently conserving 30% of the United States’ lands and coastal waters by 2030.

We contacted the Pit River National Tribe and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest who did not respond.

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