NEWS RELEASE: Outdoor Businesses Call on Biden Administration to Designate Sáttítla National Monument

The following release was issued by The Conservation Alliance on October 22, 2024:

WINDSOR, CO (October 10, 2024) - Today, 53 outdoor recreation businesses call on the Biden Administration to designate Sáttítla in Northern California as a national monument. From the outdoor industry to brewers, banks, and sportsmen, these businesses represent industries that rely heavily on the protection of the outdoors for their bottom line. 

Safeguarding Sáttítla National Monument in the Medicine Lake Highlands region would preserve high value public lands, critical fresh water resources, and will further bolster California’s vibrant outdoor recreation economy. The well-being of the Highlands ecosystem and aquifers is essential to California’s climate stability, water supply, and its tourist economy. 

“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. 

Outdoor recreation is a significant contributor to California’s economy, adding nearly $74 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and supporting over 567,000 jobs state-wide. The Medicine Lake Recreation Area currently receives over 40,000 visitors per year who come from urban centers and all over the world to enjoy more than 100 miles of trails, fishing, swimming, camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and the outstanding vistas of this mysterious landscape.

The Medicine Lake Highlands have long been a target for energy development. These areas are too sacred and precious to the Pit River Tribe and surrounding communities to risk degradation from commercial-scale development. The Conservation Alliance and its business members are proud to join a growing chorus of hundreds of local businesses, congressional champions, and community leaders in calling for the designation of Sáttítla National Monument. 

“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

“We at Peak Design are proud to use our voice in support of designating Sattila as a national monument. We believe that adventurers can only find their true peak when natural spaces, like Sáttítla, are preserved for future generations. That’s why our company is calling on the Biden Administration to take immediate action to safeguard these lands and waters. By protecting Sattila, we can ensure that the wild, beautiful landscapes that inspire adventure will remain intact for all to enjoy.” Annie Nyborg, Head of Environmental and Social Impact, Peak Design

“GU believes that everyone should have access to natural places. As fellow Californians, we are proud to join the Pit River Tribe, community leaders, and dozens of businesses in calling for the designation of Sáttítla National Monument. Permanently protecting Sáttítla will ensure that Californians continue to have access to outdoor spaces where we can run, hike, and move, for generations to come.” Celia Camargo, Director of Community & Purpose, GU Energy 

The letter, led by The Conservation Alliance, included major national brands, and the following California based companies:

GU Energy Labs (Berkeley, CA)

Klean Kanteen (Chico, CA)

ChicoBag Company (Chico, CA)

Peak Design (San Francisco, CA)

Juniper Ridge (Oakland, CA)

Belinda Sanda Sales (Redding, CA)

Atmos Financial (Berkeley, CA)

Flickr (Aptos, CA)

Nomadix (San Clemente, CA)

The Good Collective (Arcata, CA)

Patagonia (Ventura, CA)

A Snail’s Pace Running Shop (Fountain Valley, CA)

Exact Change (Sacramento, CA)

Toad&Co (Santa Barbara, CA)

Outdoor Tech (Orange, CA)

Eventus (Santa Rosa, CA)

TOPO Collective (Sebastopol, CA)

Pure Project (San Diego, CA)

Other brands on the letter include:

Rep Your Water (Erie, CO)

Sea to Summit (Boulder, CO)

REI Co-op (Sumner, WA)

Public Lands (Coraopolis, PA)

Backpacker’s Pantry (Boulder, CO)

Cheeky Fishing (Erie, CO)

Rep Your Wild (Erie, CO)

Swen Products, Inc./Sven-Saw (Minneapolis, MN)

AdventureKEEN (Birmingham, AL)

Devil’s Foot Beverage Company (Asheville, NC)

Duct Tape Then Beer (Seattle, WA)

Engaged Coaching (Bend, OR)

Outdoor Industry Association (Boulder, CO)

Atlantic Packaging (Wilmington, NC)

Brooks Running (Seattle, WA)

Cocona Labs (Boulder, CO)

Ruffwear (Bend, OR)

Fisher Creative (Victor, ID)

Good To-Go (Kittery, ME)

iKamper (Kent, WA)

IPA Connect, LLC (Hood River, OR)

Kahtoola (Flagstaff, AZ)

La Sportiva (Boulder, CO)

Mercantile Commerce LLC (Seattle, WA)

Outside Inc. (Boulder, CO)

Pacific Watch Company (Camas, WA)

Puddle Creative (Portland, OR)

Royal Robbins (Louisville, CO)

Shar Snacks (Austin, TX)

Verde Brand Communications (Durango, CO)

Trip Outside (Durango, CO)

Wingo Outdoors (Erie, CO)

ZaneRay (Whitefish, MT)

Zodiac Event Displays (Denver, CO)

Read the full letter here.

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About The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is a coalition of over 270 like-minded member companies who pool resources to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s cherished wild places and outdoor spaces. Through the collective power of their membership – companies from a range of industries – from the outdoor industry to brewers, bankers, sportsmen, and renewable energy – take bold steps to conserve wild public lands and waters. Since 1989, they’ve awarded over $33.1 million in grants and helped protect over 124 million acres and 4,964 river miles, remove or halt 41 dams, purchase 22 climbing areas & designate five marine reserves. For complete information about TCA, visit www.conservationalliance.com.