Title: National Monuments Under Review Again: Bears Ears and Organ Mountains at Risk
By Hannah Grover
In a repeat of history, national monuments like Bears Ears and the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks are once again facing potential reductions under the Biden administration. Approximately eight years ago, these contentious sites became focal points during Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s review process, which sparked significant protest and debate within local communities.
Located in southeast Utah, Bears Ears was designated by President Obama shortly before he left office. This site is considered sacred by the Pueblo people and the Navajo Nation, who had long advocated for its protection. The designation was, and continues to be, met with polarized opinions; some residents support preserving the area, while others argue against its federal protections, citing concerns over land access and energy development opportunities.
During Zinke’s previous review, he recommended reducing Bears Ears—an action Trump later enacted, drastically cutting its size to about 15% of the original designation. This move faced backlash that included lawsuits from several Native American tribes. Meanwhile, the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks also faced scrutiny, though Zinke chose not to recommend size reductions for this monument, citing concerns around border security that were later disputed by local officials.
Currently, Secretary Doug Burgum is leading a new review, following an executive order from Trump. The list of monuments under consideration is reportedly shorter, but both Bears Ears and Organ Mountains remain in jeopardy. As public and local government responses emerge, with New Mexico’s congressional delegation bracing for potential changes, the fate of these cherished landscapes hangs in the balance once again.
This ongoing conflict over national monument designations underscores the complexities surrounding land management and cultural preservation in America.
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