by jocelyn | Dec 3, 2017 | Uncategorized
As President Trump prepares to travel to Utah Monday where he reportedly will announce significant reductions to two of its national monuments, 146 scientists, researchers, and academic organizations from 19 states have released a letter to the administration citing the importance of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to scientific research and discovery.
Calling the more than two decades-old monument “an important living laboratory,” the scientists state that its current boundaries are “consistent with scientific resources specifically identified in the 1996 presidential proclamation in which 1.7 million acres of Federal land was set aside” and later expanded.
News reports say the president will reduce the monument by nearly half.
“I am gravely concerned that the forthcoming decision by the Trump administration will compromise the integrity of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and will set a negative precedent for decisions involving other national monuments,” said Arnold Miller, President of the Paleontological Society and Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Geology at the University of Cincinnati. “Grand Staircase-Escalante contains a trove of scientifically-valuable fossils and strata from boundary to boundary, and the excising of portions of this national monument for mining or other commercial activities will tragically compromise its integrity.”
Arguing that the monument’s geological, paleontological, archeological, cultural, and biological resources “are best studied at a large spatial scale,” the scientists’ letter notes that Grand Staircase-Escalante “hosts one of the highest concentrations of dinosaur fossils in the world,” that only 6 percent has been surveyed, and that “the potential for future discovery is tremendous.”
Mike Scott, PhD, research riparian ecologist in Fort Collins, CO said, “The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument contains within its boundaries a uniquely rich biological landscape, which has contributed leading-edge insights into rangeland health and management. Fragmenting the monument will threaten existing ecological resources and stifle ecological inquiry.”
“The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument contains a remarkable record of unique vertebrates that spans more than 20 million years. This record includes terrestrial vertebrates from intervals of time from which no specimens have been recovered anywhere else in the world,” said Jeff Eaton, a Grand Staircase researcher in Escalante, UT, and member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP).
Joe Sertich, Grand Staircase researcher at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and SVP member said, “New discoveries, like those being made regularly in the rocks preserved within Grand Staircase-Escalante, have the potential to alter our understanding of the processes of evolution and the responses of life to a changing planet.”
The scientists are concerned with more than preserving the fossils within Grand Staircase. “The Monument is biologically diverse and contains a significant percentage of Utah’s rare and endemic plant species and is the richest bee landscape reported to date,” their letter states. They also point to its cultural landscapes that span some 14,000 years. “What is special is the wholeness of the archeological record on the monument and our ability to study it in its natural setting,” the letter reads.
“Grand Staircase is a unique and irreplaceable resource for research on the paleontology of the Late Cretaceous,” said F. Robin O’Keefe, SVP member and Grand Staircase researcher at Marshall University, Huntington, WV. “We have only scratched the surface; loss of the monument would be a scientific tragedy.”
by jocelyn | Nov 16, 2017 | Uncategorized
CONTACT:
Suzanne Catlett, [email protected]; 801-836-1280
Nearly 600 businesses and chambers of commerce say their future is uncertain with attacks on national monuments
Escalante, Utah (November 16, 2017) – Just days before Small Business Saturday, nearly 600 rural businesses, aquariums, and chambers of commerce sent a letter to Gary Cohn, Director of the National Economic Council, urging the Trump administration to help protect their bottom lines by maintaining boundaries and safeguards for America’s national monuments.
The letter comes after the recent news that President Donald J. Trump plans to shrink the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. The letter from chambers of commerce, aquariums, and businesses across the country expresses “serious concerns” over the unprecedented assault on America’s public lands and waters.
The chambers of commerce represent businesses including “mom and pop” shops across the country that would be negatively impacted should protections for nearby national monuments be weakened or removed. This letter comes after 360 outdoor recreation businesses sent a separate letter to President Trump highlighting the economic benefits of national monuments to livelihoods and local communities. Together, the signers represent a broad spectrum of businesses that rely on national monuments for their bottom line.
The chambers of commerce, aquariums, and business owners are concerned that protections might be reduced not just for the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah, but for those named in a leaked report from Interior Secretary Zinke: Gold Butte (NV), Cascade-Siskiyou (OR), Río Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks (NM), Katahdin Woods and Waters (ME), Northeast Canyons and Seamounts off the coast of New England, and the Pacific Remote Islands and Rose Atoll in the Pacific Ocean.
“As head of a chamber representing 49 businesses, I can tell you that since the protection of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, our local tourism industry in Escalante has grown and is thriving,” said Suzanne Catlett, Board President of the Escalante & Boulder Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to our national monuments, people want to live here, and new home construction is at an all-time high. We have no doubt that Bears Ears National Monument will bring the same economic opportunities to the area. There is no doubt that shrinking these national monuments would harm our local businesses.”
“Our local businesses supported national monument designation for Gold Butte because we knew it would provide a much-needed economic boost for our Southern Nevada community,” said Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. “From casinos to grocery stores, local businesses understand what Gold Butte is worth, and it has helped Nevada’s star shine brighter. We urge President Donald Trump to stand with local business leaders and leave our national monument the way it is today.”
Cindy Bernard, past president of the Ashland, Oregon Chamber of Commerce said, “Residents and local businesses within and adjacent to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument have come to enjoy the high quality of life afforded by the monument. Shrinking Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument would take away the asset that we have come to rely upon. As a community, we have felt the positive impact created by recognizing this unique resource, which is why we supported the expansion. Clearly monument designation has helped put us on the map. Why would the president knowingly harm our small businesses?”
Zack Klyver, Head Naturalist for Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company added, “I have taken over a half million passengers to see the northwest Atlantic Ocean’s whales, dolphins, and seabirds like Atlantic puffins. Whale-watching generates over $125 million in New England. Our industry can only thrive when we’re able to see these animals in the wild consistently. The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts marine monument provides a refuge for whales, in a sea that is increasingly industrialized. The vast majority of Americans want healthy, abundant oceans – opening up our monuments to commercial activities would mean the opposite.”
The letter from business leaders notes, “decisions regarding where to locate a business are not taken lightly. For many of us, the decision to locate and invest in our communities was based on the promise that national monuments are permanently protected.”
“The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument has brought hope to our region at a time when it is desperately needed. The monument has brought businesses and communities together with a sense of optimism that we haven’t seen in some time. Good things are happening. The monument is bringing national attention to the Katahdin region. We urge President Trump to stand with local businesses and leave our national monument intact,” added Gail Fanjoy, past president of the Katahdin Area Chamber of Commerce in Millinocket, Maine.
Carrie Hamblen, CEO/President of the Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce said, “New Mexico businesses have benefitted directly from increased visitation to Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks and Río Grande del Norte National Monuments. In Doña Ana County, we just hosted our second annual, month-long ‘Monuments to Main Street’ celebration that featured tours and other events at Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks. People love it and are coming to southern New Mexico specifically because of our monument.”
“New Mexico broke record tourism numbers again in 2016, with the state’s public lands, like our national monuments, being one of the largest draws. Visitation to Río Grande del Norte has increased by 45 percent compared to before the monument’s designation. Local businesses including rafting companies, hotels, and restaurants are directly benefitting from this. Simply put, removing or altering protections would undermine our bottom line,” added Glenn Schiffbauer, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Green Chamber of Commerce.
“The State of Hawai‘i has long recognized the important connection between protecting its natural resources as a means to ensuring a sustainable economy and way of life for its people while honoring its unique history and culture. At the Maui Ocean Center, we are proud to be a part of a community that advocates for the continued preservation and conservation of its natural and national environmental treasures including the Pacific Remote Islands, Rose Atoll, and Papahanaumokukea National Monuments,” said Tapani Vuori, General Manager of the Maui Ocean Center and President of Maui Ocean Center Marine Institute. “We strongly encourage the Trump administration to maintain the protections established for these precious spaces and uphold its national responsibility to honor the legacy of its people and lands for future generations.”
The letter closes:
“We the undersigned 572 businesses, aquariums, and chambers of commerce urge you to stand up for our national monuments by helping to end the job-killing efforts to roll back our national monuments or the Antiquities Act which first made these beneficial protections possible.”
The hundreds of businesses, aquariums, and chambers of commerce that signed the letter represent a vital component of the American public who support the country’s national monuments. During the national monument review, roughly three million comments were submitted; with an overwhelming 99 percent in support of keeping national monument protections in place.
by jocelyn | Jul 10, 2017 | Uncategorized
On April 26, 2017, an Executive Order was signed that threatens to carve up – or even abolish – national monuments across the nation. These public lands, waters, and historic sites are not just our shared heritage, but vital to local communities and economies. As part of a 60 day public comment period, more than 2.7 million comments** have been submitted in support of 27 national monuments currently under review for potential elimination or reduction in size by the Department of the Interior. Americans from all walks of life, from sea to shining sea, have spoken up to defend our #MonumentsForAll. Some of these voices are highlighted below.
“Our sovereign nations spoke with one voice in support of the Bears Ears National Monument. This comment process makes it clear that all of the American people have joined us in solidarity to continue fighting to protect this living landscape.”
Carleton Bowekaty, Zuni Councilman and Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Co-Chair
“Papahānaumokuākea is critically important to Native Hawaiian culture—it is our ancestral place, the birthplace of all life. The monument serves as a conservation, climate, and cultural refuge for my granddaughter and future generations.”
Sol Kahoʻohalahala, seventh-generation Hawaiian from the island of Lanai and a member of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group
“One of the main reasons people visit the Taos area is to explore our Río Grande del Norte National Monument. Thanks to the national monument, we have seen our tourism and outdoor recreation sectors flourish. Fly-fishing and sportsmen opportunities in the monument are world-class and my business would not be where it is today without the Río Grande del Norte National Monument.”
Nick Streit, Taos Fly Shop
“Protecting the antiquities in Gold Butte has been a topic of public conversation in the City of Mesquite for well over a decade. Gold Butte is a national treasure that has undergone continuing destruction and the necessity for preservation was critical.”
Susan Holecheck, former mayor and City Council member of the City of Mesquite, Nevada
“As an immigrant I learned the history of America at National Monuments such as the African Burial Ground, Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality and Grand Staircase-Escalante. My husband Frank and I are grateful to Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Bill Clinton who set these special places aside for our benefit and enjoyment and that of future generations. We encourage President Donald Trump to protect our monuments, not reduce them.”
Audrey Peterman, Next 100 Coalition
“The Trump Administration asked what we think should be done with our national monuments. The millions who answered give a clear directive: Please conserve and properly care for our nation’s natural, cultural, historical, and spiritual treasures.”
Shantha Ready Alonso, Executive Director of Creation Justice Ministries
“The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monuments sits at the biological crossroads of the Siskiyou Mountains, Cascade Mountains and the Great Basin. It is a scientific treasure and the first and only monument proclaimed to protect biological diversity. That is why I have joined more than 200 of my fellow scientists in calling for full protection of the Monument.”
Dr. Jack Williams, Senior Scientist for Trout Unlimited
“The Northeast Canyons Monument will help coastal communities in the long run. The science shows that similar ocean areas have resulted in more abundant fish populations that spillover the boundaries where they can be caught by fishermen. The Monument will also protect vital wintering habitat for Atlantic puffins and it is an important foraging environment for many resident and migrating marine mammals.”
Zack Klyver, Naturalist, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company
“I am a county commissioner for Butte County, Idaho and a strong supporter of the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve – an undeniable success story.
“Idahoans love our public lands. Not only are our national forests and recreation lands some of the most important places to hunt and fish in the country, but they support local communities by creating jobs that can never be outsourced. I urge President Trump and Interior Secretary Zinke to listen to the rural counties and communities impacted by this national monument review: leave our public lands alone.”
Rose Bernal, Butte County Commissioner, Idaho
“The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is so important to preserving our heritage in New Mexico for future generations. They also provide an economic and social based impact as well. With the purchase of any of our apparel with Organ Mountain Outfitters we donate a week’s worth of lunches to the children in poverty at our local public schools. This economic and social model of business is just one way our National Monuments give back to our communities.”
Chris Lang, owner of Organ Mountain Outfitters
“The establishment of the Antiquities Act that allows U.S. Presidents to designate monument sites was one of the most important domestic policies ever accomplished by the United States Government. Not only has it preserved precious federal land from destructive development and save vast watersheds like at the Grand Canyon-Parashant along the mighty Colorado River, it saves these lands for future generations in perpetuity.”
Jack Ehrhardt, General Building Contractor, Kingman, Arizona
“As the owner and CEO of an outdoor adventure company, I’ve watched this area grow exponentially as more and more visitors come, not only to Joshua Tree National Park, but also the 3 new Mojave Monuments – Mojave Trails, Castle Mountains, and Sand to Snow. In fact, I’ve seen a 20% increase in visitorship to our area year after year for the last 5 years.”
Kelly Crawford, owner of Joshua Tree Excursions
“As a Latina, I was raised with the idea of the ‘Dream Deferred,’ that my parents sacrificed their dreams so my sibling and I could live ours. Our monuments are a testament to the dreams of all Americans, and should be protected for future generations to experience safe spaces where we can dream, create and commune.”
Angela Florez, Valle del Sol
**At the time of posting, regulations.gov shows 1.3 million individual comments; however, this number is not reflective of the full breadth of comments. Dozens of concerned groups have gathered public comments in bundles to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and President Trump as part of the monuments review. A survey of those groups reveals a total of more than 2.5 million public comments in support of America’s national monuments. When uploaded to regulations.gov, however, each bundle displays as a single comment.
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