Statement from Stephanie Meeks in response to Interior Department report recommending that the boundaries of several national monuments be reduced in size
Statement from Stephanie Meeks, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Today Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke submitted his review of 27 national monuments designated since 1996 to President Trump. The review process included 2.8 million comments from the public, which Secretary Zinke noted were “overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining existing monuments.” Despite this input, Secretary Zinke’s review is reported to recommend reducing the size of a number of national monuments across the country, including Utah’s Bears Ears.
We will learn more details about the specifics of these recommendations in the coming days. In the meantime, we call on President Trump to reject any attempts to reduce or roll back any of America’s national monuments. Each of the monuments subject to review were lawfully designated, and protect places of great cultural importance and natural beauty. They should remain for the use and enjoyment of future generations of Americans.
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About the National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a
privately-funded nonprofit organization dedicated
to helping communities maintain and enhance the
power of historic places. Chartered by Congress in
1949 and supported by partners, friends, and
champions nationwide, we help preserve the places
and stories that make communities unique. Through
the stewardship and revitalization of historic
sites, we help communities foster economic growth,
create healthier environments, and build a
stronger, shared sense of civic duty and belonging.
SavingPlaces.org