The northern section of the Angeles National Forest, just north of Santa Clarita, spans more than 200,000 acres—an area rich in culture, biodiversity, and history. Yet for all its value, it remains without a name, without meaningful protection, and without the resources that a national monument designation would bring. That may soon change.
A growing coalition of residents, Indigenous leaders, environmental advocates, recreation groups, and elected officials is pushing to establish the Northern Angeles National Monument—a move that would provide permanent protection, investment in recreation access, and long-overdue recognition for one of Southern California’s most vital landscapes.
The proposed monument connects parts of the Angeles and Los Padres National Forests, serving as a crucial ecological link. It’s home to over 900 native plant species and endangered animals such as the California condor, mountain lions, and the arroyo toad. Just as importantly, the land anchors four major wildlife corridors—key to species migration and long-term climate resilience in Southern California.
But this landscape’s significance extends far beyond biology.
The land is part of the ancestral territory of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, who have lived, prayed, and buried their ancestors here for generations. Within the proposed monument are sacred sites and ceremonial spaces that continue to hold deep cultural meaning today. A monument designation would help protect these areas and ensure that Indigenous voices remain at the forefront of management and stewardship.
This is also a place with a rich and sometimes tragic history. Within the monument boundaries lies the site of the St. Francis Dam disaster, one of the worst engineering failures in U.S. history. The area also includes segments of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach Route, active in the 1860s, and the early 20th-century Ridge Route highway—both integral to the development of California’s infrastructure.
Recreation is another key reason people are rallying around this campaign. The land is used by thousands each year for hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, off-roading, horseback riding, and more. It includes a stretch of the famed Pacific Crest Trail that is being repaired and maintained by local volunteers led by Ethan Hardacre from Lake Hughes, who also serves as a Trail Stewardship Coordinator for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Many other trails remain unmarked, overgrown,or poorly maintained, with limited signage and few ranger resources. A monument designation could change that—opening the door to infrastructure improvements like trail markers, campgrounds, restrooms, and interpretive signage.
The monument would also safeguard the region’s critical water resources, including the Santa Clara River watershed and segments of both the California and Los Angeles Aqueducts—lifelines for millions of residents. In a time of climate instability and worsening drought, protecting these systems isn’t optional—it’s urgent.
The Northern Angeles Forest Campaign (NAFC) is coordinating the effort to establish the monument. It’s a locally-rooted initiative composed of community leaders, historians, conservationists, and others who care deeply about this land. Key supporters include the Santa Clarita City Council, LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Community Hiking Club, and the Ridge Route Preservation Organization.
One of the most significant developments in recent months has been the involvement of Congressman George Whitesides, who represents California’s 27th District. Whitesides has expressed interest in introducing federal legislation to support the monument’s creation. Whitesides’predecessor in Congress also supported the new monument. The Northern Angeles Campaign is showing how environmental, recreational, and economic priorities can align.
John Monsen, the Northern Angeles National Monument Campaign Manager, has worked on improving recreation and protecting our natural heritage for two decades. “This campaign is very special,” he says, “because it is on my home turf, the Angeles National Forest and its beautiful, and often overlooked, northern section.”
Monsen credited campaign’s Lead Volunteer, Sandra Cattell, a longtime Santa Clarita resident and Sierra Club Santa Clarita Group Chair, with opening the door with Rep. Whitesides and connecting the campaign to community organizations and elected officials who have become supporters.
Juana Torres, a longtime advocate for Northern Angeles, says “I’m honored to work alongside Indigenous leaders, community members, and local groups to finally give this place the recognition and protection it deserves.”
Those voices, woven with countless others, are building a tapestry of support that’s difficult to ignore. They reflect the core truth of this campaign: that national monuments aren’t just about protecting places—they’re about protecting stories, cultures, ecosystems, and futures.
The proposed Northern Angeles National Monument represents more than lines on a map. It’s a living landscape, shaped by fire and flood, footsteps and prayers, past and present. It deserves more than to be passed through unnoticed.
Designating this area as a national monument will preserve its beautyIt will also bring visibility, resources, protection, and respect. And it will show that, even in a sprawling metropolis like Los Angeles, nature, culture, and history still matter.