Protecting Sáttítla National Monument is Vital for California’s Economy, Local Businesses, and the Outdoor Recreation Industry

A growing number of businesses — more than 100 — from fly-fishing guides to local nurseries to leading outdoor brands— all are calling on President Biden to protect Sáttítla as a national monument. These businesses know that conserving Sáttítla’s public lands is not just about protecting the environment and the incredible cultural connection for the Pit River and other Indigenous peoples, but it’s also about securing a sustainable economic future. 

Safeguarding Sáttítla would preserve vital water resources, shield lands from harmful development, and bolster California and the local community’s economy. 

Local business owners, particularly those who rely on the region’s pristine spring-fed rivers, have emphasized the direct connection between the health of these waters and the survival of local jobs. Fly-fishing guides, lodge staff, and other outdoor service providers depend on healthy fisheries, and by protecting Sáttítla, the area’s unique economy will continue to thrive for future generations. 

A letter signed by local fly-fishing guides highlights the critical importance of protecting the region’s water sources. 

“We express our full support to designate the proposed Sáttítla, a highlands region in Northeastern California, as a national monument. These lands hold volcanically formed aquifers beneath their surface, supporting spring complexes that birth rivers essential for the economic, cultural, and ecological prosperity of both the region and the state. The economic stability of this region hinges on the health of these local spring-fed river systems.”  – letter dated April 28, 2024

Why Protecting Sáttítla Makes Economic Sense

Businesses recognize that long-term protection of Sáttítla is not about attracting more visitors, but about preserving a landscape that aids the local quality of life, fuels the outdoor economy, supports jobs, and honors the Pit River Tribe’s ancestral lands.

Sáttítla is home to some of California’s most pristine spring-fed rivers that are vital to the health of local fisheries and the agriculture community downstream, which in turn support jobs. Without these protections, businesses that rely on these resources could see their livelihoods and the goods they provide communities threatened.

Outdoor recreation is a major contributor to California’s economy, bringing in nearly $74 billion annually and supporting more than 567,000 jobs. Many of the businesses leading this effort, from outfitters to manufacturers, depend on the preservation of natural landscapes like Sáttítla to continue thriving.

The Conservation Alliance, representing over 50 outdoor recreation businesses, is among those supporting the effort, stating that a Sáttítla National Monument would help secure California’s water supply and climate stability, while boosting the outdoor economy. In their recent statement, The Conservation Alliance emphasized that a Sáttítla National Monument would honor the Pit River Tribe’s sacred connection to the land, while strengthening California’s outdoor recreation economy and helping safeguard the state’s climate stability.

“Outdoor businesses are taking a stand to protect this critical landscape. Designating Sáttítla as a national monument would not only honor the Pit River Tribe, but it would show the Biden Administration’s commitment to California’s growing outdoor recreation economy. The Conservation Alliance and its member companies are in full support of Sáttítla National Monument.”

Bridgette Windell, Public Lands Advocacy, The Conservation Alliance

Similarly, local small business owners have emphasized that a national monument designation would provide long-term certainty for the region’s economy. They argue that conservation protections ensure that not only will the lands and waters they depend on remain intact, supporting not only their businesses but also the importance of access to public lands and the impact on the well-being and quality of life for people in the local communities.

“As a resident and local business owner who has enjoyed this area with friends and family, I encourage President Biden to declare Sáttítla as a National Monument. This area needs permanent protection for its rich natural and cultural history, fresh water aquifer that fuels Californian’s water supply, and its exceptional recreational activities.”

Belinda Sanda, Owner, Belinda Sanda Sales

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“The world-famous trout fishery of the Fall River depends on the waters absorbed and filtered by the Sa tla landscape. This river is California’s largest spring creek and its abundant waters feed the Pit River, Lake Shasta and the Sacramento River. Our guide service depends on these waters – each a unique f ishery – to provide great local fly fishing experiences for over a thousand anglers every year. The cold, pure water that originates in the Sa tla-Medicine Lake Highlands is essential to our business. We salute Senator Padilla’s efforts to support local fishing-dependent businesses by permanently protec ng this unique area of public lands and its extraordinary waters as a national monument.” 

Andrew Harris, Owner, Confluence Outfitters, Red Bluff, CA 

Business-Backed Conservation is a Win-Win

Beyond the immediate economic impact, businesses see conservation as a smart, forward-thinking investment. Protecting public lands like Sáttítla prevents harmful development and preserves the region’s natural beauty and ecological health, which are essential to the economy. The growing support from the business community demonstrates that conservation is not just an environmental issue—it’s a business imperative.

The growing support for the protection of Sáttítla National Monument is a testament to the value of conservation for both the environment and the economy. The Biden administration has a unique opportunity before them in the final months they are in office. By safeguarding Sáttítla, the Biden administration can protect one of California’s most treasured landscapes, support local businesses, and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from this extraordinary region.

If you know a business who would like to support our effort, please email:

Brandy MCDaniels bmcdaniels@pitrivertribe.gov
Bianca Garza bianca@mountshastaecology.org