Cedar Mesa at Bears Ears National Monument in Utah.
Bob Wick/Bureau of Land Management
October 8, 2021 - WASHINGTON – The White House announced in a statement that President Biden will restore protections to three national monuments, dismantled by the previous administration: Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts.
Statement by Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association
“President Biden’s plan to restore our national monuments is a testimony to Tribal leaders and so many other partners who worked for decades to protect these places, then fought fearlessly over the last several years to restore them. The outpouring of support for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante is a loud and clear affirmation of the enduring values we share for our protected lands and waters.
“These national monuments are sacred spaces that provide healing and sustain life. They preserve troves of fossils and ancient artifacts that carry centuries of human history. They protect and connect one of America’s most iconic national park landscapes and vast marine ecosystems. And for nearly four years, they’ve been under attack, including being needlessly opened to free-for-all development.
“As we’ve said since the attacks on our national heritage began, any attempt to remove protections for even one of our national monuments is illegal. Today’s announcement brings justice to the fight that brought us together with Tribal nations, local communities and businesses, and countless people across the country. And in correcting this unlawful, destructive action, the Biden administration and Congress are now well suited to enact new protections for Tribal lands and other important cultural sites and landscapes.”
About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its nearly 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.
Source: NPCA
