National Monuments for Land, Wildlife, and Cultural Preservation
The Bears Ears National Monument, Utah (credit: US Geological Survey)
One legacy of President Barack Obama was to protect environmental and cultural resources by designating national monuments. Mr. Obama stated his intentions for posterity in a declaration creating the Bears Ears and Gold Butte national monuments under the Antiquities Act of 1906 by saying:
I am designating two new national monuments in the desert landscapes of southeastern Utah and southern Nevada to protect some of our country’s most important cultural treasures, including abundant rock art, archeological sites, and lands considered sacred by Native American tribes. Today’s actions will help protect this cultural legacy and will ensure that future generations are able to enjoy and appreciate these scenic and historic landscapes.
The Bears Ears in Utah and Gold Butte in Nevada add to an impressive array of protected areas designated by Mr. Obama. Native American tribes including the Utes, Navajo, the Hopi, Zuni, and others had tired for nearly a century to protect the Bears Ears from looters and desecration of sacred sites. In total, area of land covered by these new monuments bringing Obama close to matching the areas protected of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The new monuments can be rightly celebrated nationwide.
Designation of Nevada's Gold Butte, like virtually all previous national monument designations, resulted from collaborative efforts by individuals, local organizations, and national support groups. The Conservation Alliance, an organization created by manufacturers from the outdoor industry, has been a long-term supporter of such local groups who plan and develop monument designation requirements, Such 'grass roots' group have been essential to environmental conservation in the United States. You should consider an individual contribution to assist the work of TCA or another non-profit conservation group so they can continue in their important work. Russell Begaye, President of the Navajo Nation commented on the Bears Ears proclamation:
"With this step to protect and conserve these irreplaceable lands, President Obama has set a new precedent for national monument tribal collaborative management. And he has strengthened the relationship between our Navajo and American nations. As a Navajo and American, I am proud our President listened to a sovereign appeal and acted to preserve our sacred land for future generations."
Mr. Obama took bold actions, like Presidents before him, to protect cultural and environmental resources of national importance. With these monument declarations, he has become a "monumental President" for the history books of conservation.
The Editors