Boxer Praises President's Designation of National Monument at Fort Ord

Senator Had Written to Obama in Support of the Designation of Nearly 15,000 Acres at Historic Military Base

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) praised President Obama’s decision today to designate nearly 15,000 acres at the former Fort Ord military base north of Monterey as a National Monument. Senator Boxer had written to the President in February in support of the designation to preserve the area as “an important historic site for veterans, Californians and the nation.”

Senator Boxer said, “The President’s action will ensure that Californians and visitors from around the world will enjoy the rich history and natural beauty of these lands for generations to come. This new National Monument will honor all the veterans who served at Fort Ord and the sacrifices they made for our country.”

Throughout the 20th century, Fort Ord was one of the U.S. Army’s most important training bases, and saw more than 1.5 million soldiers through basic training from World War I through Operation Desert Storm. In 1994, the Department of Defense moved most of its Army mission from Fort Ord, and 15,000 acres of land were set aside for management by the Bureau of Land Management. These acres of vibrant landscape support a diverse habitat, including 35 species of rare plants and animals.

The new monument, which will be managed by the BLM, will help preserve the base’s military history while also providing recreational opportunities, including trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature photography.

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