Today marks the 115th anniversary of the Antiquities Act—one of the most powerful tools the President of the United States has to protect our nation’s wildlife, waters, historic and cultural sites, and landscapes by designating national monuments.
Take action to stand with our national monuments!
Safeguarding these important lands and waters ensure they can continue to represent the stories of our shared historical, cultural and natural heritage for future generations. These places and their stories help define us as a nation, and national monument designations are broadly supported from coast to coast. Seventeen different presidents—9 Republicans and 8 Democrats—have used authority granted by the Antiquities Act to safeguard public lands and waters.
But in 2017 and 2020, former President Trump illegally dismantled Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monuments. He ignored sovereign Tribal nations, scientists, business and community leaders, and the millions of Americans who supported safeguarding these national treasures.
It’s time to restore these national monuments – act now!
These national monuments protect irreplaceable sacred sites and homelands, paleontological treasure troves and habitat for threatened and endangered species. They also provide economic boosts to local communities from tourism, places to enjoy the outdoors, and clean air and water. Without their national monument protections, these places are at risk.
It’s time to move forward on President Biden’s promises to restore protections and provide Tribes with a greater role managing culturally-significant landscapes. National monuments honor the diverse experiences of our nation, and make sure important stories and connections to land and waters continue to exist for generations to come.
Join us in urging President Biden to restore and expand national monument protections!