In the latest effort to foil the Southeast Arizona Land Exchange, activists are asking President Obama to designate Oak Flat a national monument. The area, which is part of Tonto National Forest, is a historically significant and sacred spot for many Native American tribes, as well as a well-known rock-climbing and recreation destination.

Wendsler Nosie, San Carlos Apache district councilman and leader of the Occupy Oak Flat protest, started the online petition earlier this week. And with over 600 backers already, the number of signatures is rising quickly. This new strategy comes three weeks after protesters took over a section of the popular campground, vowing not to leave until the Federal Government protects the land.

See also: Occupy Oak Flat Refuses to Back Down in Protest Against Resolution Copper