Sierra needs protection of monument status

I have spent over 60 years hiking, climbing and backpacking in almost every corner of the proposed Sierra National Monument. The only parts of the Sierra that come close to rivaling it in its overall grandeur and variability are the three national parks (Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon).

Giving it national monument status would protect it from the cutting of sequoia trees, from the devastation brought by all-terrain vehicle traffic and from mining. I have encountered all of these activities during my time in these mountains.

I still draw spiritual strength from the beauty and wildness of this area. It would be wonderful if my children and grandchildren can also continue to enjoy what I have experienced in this unique and beautiful region. Monument status would give it the protection it so richly deserves.

This story was originally published September 15, 2016 at 3:39 PM with the headline "Sierra needs protection of monument status."