The movement to protect a grove of sacred swamp cedar trees and commemorate the site of massacres against Indigenous communities in eastern Nevada has reached a significant milestone. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced legislation to establish Bahsahwahbee National Monument in Congress on July 29th. This legislation represents a crucial step forward for the Bahsahwahbee campaign, bringing the sacred landscape one step closer to permanent protection.
Senator Cortez Masto’s efforts have been supported by the Duckwater Shoshone Tribe, Ely Shoshone Tribe, and Confederated Tribes of the Goshute, who have been advocating for Bahsahwahbee to become Nevada’s newest National Park Service-managed monument for years. Situated 8 miles north of Great Basin National Park, the proposed Bahsahwahbee National Monument holds significant cultural and historical importance for the Indigenous communities in the region.
The push for Bahsahwahbee’s designation as a national monument is not only about preserving a specific area but also about recognizing the deep connection that Indigenous people have to the land and their history. The tribes are urging the National Park Service to help tell their story, a narrative that includes tragedy, resilience, and a profound bond with the land.
In addition to its cultural significance, the establishment of Bahsahwahbee National Monument would have broader benefits for all Nevadans. By safeguarding public lands, we not only protect ourselves from the severe impacts of climate change but also ensure that the unique characteristics that define our state are preserved for future generations. Intact wetlands and forests like those found at Bahsahwahbee play a crucial role in sequestering carbon and preserving biodiversity, which is essential in combating the effects of climate change.
Public support for the designation of Bahsahwahbee as a national monument is strong, with a poll of 602 Nevadans conducted last year showing that 77 percent of respondents back the tribes’ efforts. The Nevada Legislature has also demonstrated bipartisan support for the designation, passing a resolution in 2021 in favor of Bahsahwahbee becoming Nevada’s newest National Park Service-managed monument.
Nevada’s commitment to conservation and public land protection is deeply ingrained in the state’s culture, transcending party lines and urban-rural divides. With the highest percentage of public land of any state in the nation, Nevadans understand the importance of preserving these natural spaces for future generations. Conservation efforts have broad support across the state, with voters more likely to support candidates who prioritize public land protection and investment in national parks and monuments.
The importance of public land protection has become even more apparent in recent years as the effects of climate change have become increasingly severe. With Reno and Las Vegas being named the two fastest-warming cities in the country, the need to safeguard our natural landscapes has never been more urgent. Indigenous communities, who have long understood the interconnectedness of land protection and community well-being, offer important insights into sustainable practices that can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
As Nevada heads into a pivotal election season, public land protection and conservation efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping voters’ decisions. With registered Independents now outnumbering both Democrats and Republicans in the state, the importance of conservation in selecting candidates has been underscored by polling data. A majority of Nevadans believe that public land protection benefits the economy, with voters across party lines agreeing that conservation is a crucial factor in deciding whom to support at the polls.
The establishment of Bahsahwahbee National Monument is not just a conservation issue for eastern Nevada; it is a matter that impacts all Nevadans. By recognizing the cultural and historical significance of this sacred landscape, we are not only preserving our heritage but also taking a crucial step towards protecting our environment and combating the effects of climate change. President Biden has the opportunity to make a lasting impact by using the Antiquities Act to designate Bahsahwahbee as a national monument, ensuring that this important site is safeguarded for future generations.
In conclusion, the designation of Bahsahwahbee National Monument represents a significant milestone in the efforts to protect and preserve Nevada’s natural and cultural heritage. By recognizing the importance of this sacred landscape and its significance to Indigenous communities, we are taking a crucial step towards ensuring that our public lands are protected for future generations. President Biden has the opportunity to make a lasting impact by designating Bahsahwahbee as a national monument, a decision that will benefit all Nevadans and contribute to the preservation of our state’s unique natural landscapes.