WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Joe Biden’s plan to provide national monument protections for the Avi Kwa Ame region in southern Nevada will benefit wildlife, sacred Indigenous sites, and rural communities.

“The breathtaking landscapes of Avi Kwa Ame hold sacred Indigenous sites, important migration pathways for wildlife, and new opportunities for responsible recreation and rural economic development. We applaud President Biden and Secretary Haaland for listening to the broad coalition of Indigenous leaders, ranchers, hunters, and conservationists who have been calling for national monument designation,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We urge the Biden Administration to continue to work closely with those local and Indigenous leaders as they implement collaborative management plans to steward this important new national monument.”

“Avi Kwa Ame plays an important role in promoting the health and vitality of Nevada's desert bighorn sheep. President Biden’s plan to designate the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument will secure safe passage of bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other wildlife species,” said Russell Kuhlman, executive director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. “These additional protections will also guarantee that sporting organizations will have continued access to identify, build, and maintain water guzzlers for game animals that is critical for their survival. Conserving and restoring wildlife habitat in Avi Kwa Ame will benefit Nevada’s wildlife and sporting heritage for generations to come.”

Earlier this month, the National Wildlife Federation released this video about the importance of Avi Kwa Ame.