WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama plans to designate 346,000 acres within the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles as a national monument, a step that supporters say will ensure better stewardship on one of the nation’s most heavily-visited forests but has also worried some local officials about potential land use restrictions.
A While House official, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of Friday’s planned announcement, says Obama’s order will ensure the land is permanently protected.
The San Gabriel Mountains are a popular recreation area, and more than 15 million people live within 90 minutes’ distance. The White House says the designation builds on more than a decade of support from various business and environmental groups, and members of Congress.
The Los Angeles Times first reported the president’s planned announcement.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.