Obama Designates Portion Of San Gabriel Mountain Range A National Monument

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — President Barack Obama Friday declared more than 346,000 acres of the San Gabriel Mountain range a national monument.

Obama arrived in San Dimas by helicopter and made the announcement around 1:40 p.m.

Proponents believe the declaration will help protect the area, which does not include Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy Village, by keeping it clean; while those who oppose say the decision will add more restrictions that would make it more difficult for businesses.

"What's going to happen is, they are basically going to put up signs and locks and keys when they can't decide a budge," protester Tony Hammers said. "We don't want it. We love our place — it's clean. It's already managed by the National Forest Service. There's nothing wrong with it. It's not broke; it doesn't need to be fixed."

Congressman Judy Chu, who has been spearheading the effort, says there will be no restrictions added to certain areas including no new fees or gates, and it will not stifle the economy.

Friday's declaration was part of America's Great Outdoors initiative to permanently protect areas of significance around the country.