Mobilizing For Monuments Debuts Film Calling For Protection Of Three Million Acres Of Public Land

Mobilizing for Monuments, a coalition of more than 80 businesses working to protect outdoor spaces through the designation of national monuments, debuts its short film today, Mobilizing for Monuments Road Trip. The 15 minute film is available to stream on Mobilizing for Monuments.

The film follows The Conservation Alliance, Flickr, Rivian and Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project on a week-long road trip (November 7-13, 2023) from Colorado to California to share the stories of local business leaders, elected officials, on-the-ground champions, community members, and recreationalists advocating for the protection of public lands in their backyards. The stories underscore the importance of national monuments for the environment and economy, and calls on the Biden Administration to protect three million acres of land in Colorado and California. The road trip included five recently designated or proposed national monuments:

• Proposed Dolores River Canyon Country National Monument and National Conservation Area in Colorado
• Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona
• Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in Nevada
• Proposed Chuckwalla National Monument in California
• Proposed expansion of San Gabriel Mountains National Monument in California

Throughout the 1,500 mile journey – enabled by Rivian’s R1T and R1S all-electric adventure vehicles – participants engaged in meaningful conversations with local community members, explored iconic landscapes, and advocated for the designation and expansion of new monuments. Through the compelling visuals and authentic storytelling, the film aims to inspire an appreciation for our public lands, as well as action in support of the $1.1 trillion dollar outdoor recreation industry. By bringing our voices together we can greatly increase our impact and demonstrate to the Biden Administration that businesses support protecting these wild landscapes.

“Mobilizing for Monuments Road Trip is a testament to the power of collaboration and advocacy,” said Shoren Brown, Vice President of Public Affairs at The Conservation Alliance. “The road trip was a transformative journey, and we are excited to share its impact with the world. National monuments are a proven tool for protecting wild places, and improving opportunities for recreation and local economies. National monument designation is protecting public lands for all to enjoy.”

“Photography plays an essential role in conservation efforts, letting people see and experience the beauty of earth’s most precious–and often, most vulnerable–places,” said Ben MacAskill, President and COO of Flickr. “Naturally, we jumped at the opportunity to join and document this once-in-a-lifetime trip. We hope the images and film we captured inspire a future generation of conservationists, advocates, and appreciators.”

“Iconic public landscapes represent a vital American legacy we must protect for current and future generations,” said Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Rivian’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “Rivian’s electric vehicles are designed to get people out into nature and explore, and we are proud to help highlight the local communities, tribes, and small businesses that enrich and depend on thriving natural ecosystems and the outdoor recreation economy across the United States.”

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Mobilizing for Monuments Road Trip, showcasing the beauty of these landscapes and the work being done to protect them. And join us in calling on President Biden to designate or expand these and other landscapes in 2024. For more information about the film, and what you can do to help protect these beautiful landscapes, visit MobilizingForMonuments.com.

Mobilizing for Monuments Road Trip will be showcased at film festivals, conservation events, and partner screenings throughout the U.S. now through Fall 2024.