Designating National Monuments Has Become a Political Football 

With the election of President Trump there is a good possibility that Utah’s National Monuments, especially the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante Monuments will change in size again.  

Presidents of the United States have been designating monuments and national parks since the days of Teddy Roosevelt. They don’t always factor in how residents of the areas near the new designation feel about it. 

President Obama set aside Bears Ears National Monument with little input from Utah residents or their representatives in congress. When President Trump was elected, he reduced the size of both monuments. After Trump they were put back to their original size by President Biden. 

Is There a Better Way? 

With the election of President Trump, there is a good chance these boundaries will change again. Maybe it is time for the state of Utah and the nation to look at a new solution that doesn’t require expensive lawsuits and the election of new presidents. 

There is a reason laws go through a legislative body. This gives a chance for the proposal to be debated by interested parties. Both sides can be heard, and compromises can be found. Through legislation, the best ideas can be agreed upon.  

Read More: Ancient Quarry? Mysterious Site In The Corner Of Utah

It is time for the House and Senate to take up Utah’s monuments and let it go through the legislative process. This is what Utah’s representatives in Washington are proposing and it is a good idea. Let congress pass a bill that settles the issue once and for all. 

Colorado + Utah Parks Among Top 10 Most Dangerous National Parks

Check out the most dangerous National Parks located in Colorado and Utah. Find out the number of fatalities that have occurred in each park, and see which ones made the top 10. Have you been to any of these dangerous National Parks? Tell us about your experience with the chat feature on our station app.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

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