In the heart of northeastern California lies a place of profound cultural significance, geological uniqueness, and ecological importance: Sáttítla, more commonly known as the Medicine Lake Highlands. This water-rich, life-sustaining region is at the center of a growing movement to secure greater protections through the national monument designation. At California Trout, we’re proud to be a part of the coalition of organizations driving this effort, led by the Pit River Tribe. Recently, our team had the privilege of witnessing Sáttítla’s majesty firsthand, both from the air during an EcoFlight and on the ground during a fishing trip along the Fall River, whose headwaters rest in Sáttítla. Both perspectives reinforced our commitment to protecting the landscape’s irreplaceable resources.
What is a National Monument?
National monuments are a type of public lands designation meant to protect a range of natural and historic resources in perpetuity. They are selected based on the area’s unique cultural, natural, or historic value. Unlike national forests which often permit resource extraction activities like timber harvesting or mining, national monuments offer stronger protections for ecosystems and cultural heritage, while still allowing most recreational activities to continue as normal.
Many national monument campaigns are community-led and in recent years, increasingly seek indigenous leadership and co-management. This approach recognizes the deep local and indigenous knowledge and connection that many communities have with these areas, making the designation process something that serves community interests while strengthening protections for unique resources throughout our nation.
Why Sáttítla Needs Protection
Sáttítla is home to a vast volcanic aquifer that creates an extensive spring-fed system. This unique geological feature is crucial for adapting to climate change and supporting native species, including salmon, trout, and steelhead, many of which are endangered. The area’s ecological significance is matched by its cultural importance to the Pit River Tribe and other indigenous communities.
CalTrout’s Policy Associate, Kam Bezdek, recently participated in an EcoFlight over the proposed monument area. As part of this EcoFlight, she was invited, along with a member of the Pit River Tribe, Trout Unlimited, and reporters from Fly Fish Journal and Hatch Magazine, to fly in one of four flights on a four-seater aircraft. The goal of the flight was to provide a birds-eye view of the proposed protected area, allowing passengers to learn about and witness ecological features not as easily visible by ground.
She remarked, “Seeing the space from the air really drives home just how vast this land is. It’s something that never comes through in a map or presentation. When you’re up there, you understand why it’s so crucial to protect this [crucial source water] area.”
CalTrout’s Role in National Monument Campaigns
At CalTrout, we support national monument designations that align with our mission to protect California’s fish, water, and people. In recent years, we have found increasing overlap between campaigns to protect public lands in California and our work to revitalize wild fish populations and safeguard water resources.
CalTrout’s Legal and Policy Director, Redgie Collins, recently experienced the power of Sáttítla firsthand during a fishing trip with Trout Unlimited, members of the Pit River Tribe, and reporters from Fly Fisherman and Hatch Magazine. Redgie shared, “Being there with our partners, learning about how the environment has evolved over the years, and seeing the interconnectedness of the waterways was a powerful experience. It reinforced the importance of protecting this land that so many communities are deeply tied to, each in their unique way.”
This summer, CalTrout drafted a letter urging President Biden to honor the Pit River Tribe’s request for national monument protections for Sáttítla. Our appeal highlighted how the campaign’s goals align with CalTrout’s mission to protect this ecologically critical landscape, which is essential for buffering against increasing drought and climate change, and ensuring sufficient drinking water for all Californians.
The Bigger Picture
Our support for the Sáttítla National Monument campaign is part of a broader commitment to protecting California’s vital watersheds. We’ve also been involved in successful efforts like the expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, which now protects higher reaches of the San Gabriel River watershed – home to Southern steelhead genetics that teeter on the brink of extinction.
These campaigns require collaboration, bringing together diverse partners with unique expertise. As Kam observed during her EcoFlight, “The relational aspect was a huge part of the tour. Everyone comes in with their own expertise, and joining together is essential to these community-based campaigns, especially when working with Indigenous communities who have a deep-seated understanding of the land and its resources.”
Looking Forward
As we continue to advocate for the protection of Sáttítla and other ecologically significant areas, we are reminded of the interconnectedness of our work. From the headwaters to our faucets, every part of our watersheds plays a crucial role in the health of our ecosystems, our communities, and our future.
We invite you to join us in supporting the Sáttítla National Monument campaign. Together, we can ensure that this culturally rich, ecologically vital landscape remains protected for generations to come.
Interested in supporting the campaign? To add your name to our existing letter of support, provide an individual letter from your local Siskiyou County business, or provide a quote, please reach out to Molly Ancel at mancel@caltrout.org