Kamas, UT--Yesterday, Utahns called on Interior Secretary Zinke to preserve Utah’s national monuments and reverse his recommendations to delist Bears Ears. The large crowd came together on public lands just days before Zinke will relay his final recommendations for the monuments. Both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante have boosted local economies and preserved centuries of indigenous history and culture.
Wayne Hoskisson from Sierra Club’s Utah Chapter issued the following statements:
“Reducing the Bears Ears National Monument is an insult to Native Americans and the local Tribes that spent years fighting to protect these lands. President Obama designated the monument to preserve its historical, cultural and scientific values — something this administration does not appear to respect.
“Reviewing Utah’s national monuments is not in the interest of our residents but rather oil, gas and coal companies who use our lands and send profits out of state. This administration's efforts to remove critical land and wildlife protections is rooted in short term profits when our monuments’ values extend beyond price. We need places for people to connect to nature and see the remnants of millenia of human life."”
Willie Greyeyes from Utah Diné Bikéyah issued the following statement:
"Everyone has a stake here, but for us as Native Americans these are lands we call home. As President of the United States, you can create common ground for all American citizens to stand upon. By honoring the land, you will honor all people who serve as stewards of these public lands for centuries. We are ready to share what we have learned over the past 12,000 years as we chart a path forward together.”
Terri Martin Southwest Regional Organizer for Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance issued the following statement:
“Utah’s public lands include one of the last vast wilderness landscapes remaining in the lower forty-eight states, and arguably the most scenically spectacular. These lands are also packed with ancient archeological sites, rock art panels and sites sacred to Native Americans. The precious lands deserve protection not only for our own enjoyment, but for the health and well-being of the planet.”
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