Two Years of Protection: Celebrating Avi Kwa Ame National Monument’s Second Anniversary
On March 21, 2023, President Joe Biden designated Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada, safeguarding this sacred and ecologically rich landscape under the Antiquities Act of 1906.
Spanning 506,814 acres in southern Nevada, Avi Kwa Ame—also known as Spirit Mountain—is the place of origin for 10 Yuman-speaking Tribes and is sacred to the Hopi and Chemehuevi Paiute people. Its designation has been a victory not only for cultural preservation but also for environmental conservation and outdoor recreation.
Avi Kwa Ame’s designation was a community-driven effort. It came after years of advocacy led by the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, with strong backing from Nevadans across the state, including Indigenous communities, local governments, county commissioners, outdoor enthusiasts, conservation organizations, sportsmen and women groups, businesses, and Nevada Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen.
A support that remains stronger than ever. According to the 2025 Conservation in the West Poll, 92% of Nevadan voters believe that the national monument designations, which were established over the last decade, such as Avi Kwa Ame, should be kept in place—demonstrating that protecting public lands is a priority for them.
Now, two years later, we celebrate the positive impacts this national monument has had on the land, wildlife, and surrounding communities.
Preserving Sacred and Cultural Sites: The protection of Avi Kwa Ame has ensured that petroglyphs, ancient trails, and sacred sites remain undisturbed. This includes segments of the Old Spanish National Historic Trail and Walking Box Ranch, each holding historical significance.
Protecting Wildlife and a Thriving Ecosystem: Home to one of the most expansive Joshua tree forests in the world, this landscape provides critical habitat for desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, Gila monsters, golden eagles, and other native species.
Boosting Recreation and Local Economies: Avi Kwa Ame continues to offer world-class hiking, camping, birdwatching, motorized touring, stargazing, and hunting—all permitted within the national monument’s boundaries. These outdoor opportunities support the local economy by attracting visitors to nearby communities, reinforcing the value of public lands for both conservation and recreation.
A Victory Against Unsustainable Energy Development: For years, Avi Kwa Ame faced threats from industrial development, particularly large-scale renewable energy projects that would have disrupted this fragile desert ecosystem. Since the designation:
8 Minute Energy withdrew its application for the Angora Solar Project, which would have covered 2,816 acres within the monument.
Crescent Peak Renewables, LLC abandoned plans for the Kulning Wind Energy Project, which proposed a massive wind energy generation plant and 29-mile transmission line across 9,264 acres of the protected landscape.
These victories demonstrate the power of local and Tribal advocacy in ensuring responsible renewable energy siting while safeguarding important cultural and ecological landscapes.
While the Resource Management Plan for Avi Kwa Ame National Monument is still in development, the land is being managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and National Park Service, with Tribal Nations playing a key role in co-management.
As we celebrate the second anniversary of Avi Kwa Ame’s designation, we encourage Nevadans and visitors alike to experience this stunning national monument. Entrance remains free, making it an accessible destination for all.
For those looking to explore, check out AllTrails and Friends of Avi Kwa Ame for maps, recommended hikes, and visitor information.
Together, let’s continue safeguarding, and enjoying Avi Kwa Ame—a national treasure that will inspire generations to come.