Post

Today, President Biden designated Chuckwalla National Monument. I was invited to the ceremony this morning in Chuckwalla, which sadly got canceled due to dangerous weather. This is a huge and important conservation win, and one that's super personal to me. (thread) (photo by me, in Chuckwalla)

Ben MacAskill

@ben.flickr

This is a project I've worked on for years now. Both in my role at Flickr, and with my board position with The Conservation Alliance. My first visit to Chuckwalla changed my life, and I was determined to do anything I could to secure protections.

7/1/25, 8:41 pm0 reposts1 like

Ben MacAskill

@ben.flickr

7 Jan 2025

In my many visits to DC to advocate for protections, I made the bold promise to @repraulruizmd.bsky.social directly that I would get a Chuckwalla lizard tattoo if we made it. Congressman Ruiz, I hoped to show you today!

Ben MacAskill

@ben.flickr

7 Jan 2025

I did get to model the tattoo on my final visit to DC to try and bring this across the line.

Ben MacAskill

@ben.flickr

7 Jan 2025

This is such a huge win. 644,000 (!!!!) acres protected in Chuckwalla National Monument. These lands are part of the sacred homelands of the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, Mohave, Quechan and Serrano tribes. It also expands Joshua Tree National Park by 16,000 acres!

Ben MacAskill

@ben.flickr

7 Jan 2025

Lastly, this move today for Chuckwalla and also Sáttítla Highlands National Monument in Northern California cement President Biden as the president who has protected more land and water for future generations than any other that's come before him. Bravo. ❤️