Attending the recent hearing in Bluff with Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, I was disappointed with the local opposition loudly booing and trying to drown out voices of those who want monument status for the Bears Ears.
Locals said they didn’t want “the Bears Ears loved to death” by more “outsiders” that monument status would bring. Clearly, they want what is theirs to stay theirs, and what is ours to stay theirs as well.
Federal land is public land belonging to all Americans. Every American should enjoy spectacular mountains, canyons, rivers, lakes, wildlife, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and motor bikes and ATVs where permitted.
Monument status prevents new mining and drilling, which destroys much and benefits few. A monument status for Bears Ears, under the Antiquities Act of 1906, with the goals and mission of the Inter Tribal Coalition, would protect Native American heritage while allowing everyone to enjoy this special place.
The Republican majority in Congress has mandated drilling, mining, and fracking on BLM public land. Minority locals and their members in Congress want to keep the riches and save nothing for future generations. I’m grateful for past presidents and congresses, Republican and Democrat, that saved unique, special places for us.
Phyllis Mains
Cortez
