"President Barack Obama is planning to designate 346,000 acres within the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles as a national monument, a step supporters say will ensure better stewardship in one of the nation's most heavily visited forests but worries some local officials because of potential restrictions.

A White House official, speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of Friday's announcement, said Obama's order will ensure the land is permanently protected.

The San Gabriel Mountains are a popular recreation area, and more than 15 million people live within a 90-minute drive. The White House says the designation builds on more than a decade of support for additional protections from various business and environmental groups, as well as members of Congress."

Kevin Freking reports for the Associated Press October 8, 2014. [2]