Map Shows National Monuments Trump Could Target Next After Bears Ears Cuts
Summary
President Donald Trump has reduced the size of two large national monuments in Utah, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, by about 90%. The White House says this will allow more land use for activities like mining and recreation, but tribes and conservation groups disagree and have criticized the decision. Similar protected areas in Arizona created under President Biden face political challenges over mining and land use.Key Facts
- President Trump cut Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments in Utah by approximately 90% each.
- The reductions shrink Grand Staircase-Escalante from about 1.87 million acres to 181,500 acres and Bears Ears from 1.36 million acres to 121,100 acres.
- The White House claims the changes keep important protected features safe while opening other lands for grazing, hunting, mining, and recreation.
- Tribal leaders, including members of the Navajo Nation, say the cuts ignore tribal consultation and are harmful to their heritage.
- Other large monuments such as Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni near the Grand Canyon and Ironwood Forest in Arizona have also been targeted for possible reduction or mining development.
- Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni was created by President Biden in 2023 to protect sacred tribal sites and wildlife and bans new uranium mining.
- Arizona Representative Paul Gosar has introduced bills to reduce or cancel monuments, citing mining restrictions.
- Conservation groups warn that these moves threaten habitats of endangered animals and culturally significant lands.
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