Review of Large Protected Land Designations under Antiquities Act

In Executive Order 13792, President Donald Trump directed the Secretary of the Interior to review all instances in which more than 100,000 acres of land have been designated as protected under the Antiquities Act. The order explicitly highlighted the Bears Ears National Monument. The review aimed to evaluate whether previous administrations had exceeded their authority in designating large tracts of land as national monuments, thus limiting the scope for various land uses such as logging, mining, and ranching. The Antiquities Act of 1906 was originally enacted to protect significant natural, cultural, and scientific features on federal lands. Over the years, presidents from both political parties have used the act to safeguard national monuments. The review ordered by Trump was a significant shift, questioning whether these designations had been overreaching and impacted local economies and land use. Bears Ears National Monument, designated in the final days of the Obama administration, had been controversial. Its establishment set aside approximately 1.35 million acres in southeastern Utah, an area rich with archaeological sites and sacred landscapes for Native American tribes. Proponents argued that protection was vital for preserving cultural heritage and natural beauty. In contrast, opponents, including some local and state officials, felt it restricted economic development and violated the jurisdiction of the state. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke conducted the review, which included public comments and meetings with stakeholders, ranging from tribal leaders and conservationists to industry representatives and local government officials. The findings ultimately led to recommendations for reducing the size of several national monuments, including Bears Ears. The decision stirred debates over the balance between conservation efforts and resource use, federal oversight, and local control. It highlighted tensions between environmental preservation and economic growth. The review initiated a broader discussion about how lands should be managed and who gets to decide their fate. #ProtectedLands #AntiquitiesAct #BearsEars #TrumpAdministration #PublicLands #MoofLife