The recent Executive Order by the Trump administration is a direct attack on national monuments and public lands. This so-called review of monuments could impact Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, as well as our neighboring Bears Ears National Monument.
Stripping public lands of their protections hurts our local communities and economies. Our local communities benefit from the stunning public lands that surround us.
As is true all around the state, our economy in Southwest Colorado is heavily reliant on the outdoors. There is widespread support in Colorado for keeping existing monuments in place and for protecting public lands.
Sixteen presidents have designated monuments using the Antiquities Act, half of which were Republicans and half of which were Democrats.
Monuments are not a partisan issue.
Preserving special public lands is part of the fabric of this country. We thank Sens. Bennet and Gardner and Rep. Tipton for standing up for our public lands and our economy in Colorado, and we urge them to continue to do that now.
Amber Clark
Cortez
Editor’s Note: Amber Clark is program coordinator for Dolores River Boating Advocates.