Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has confirmed that the Trump administration is currently reviewing the boundaries of several national monuments, which could potentially lead to their size being reduced. This announcement was made during a Friday event, where Burgum stated that the administration has been tasked with assessing whether the current boundaries are appropriate.
The review of national monument boundaries comes as a result of an executive order issued by President Trump. The order, which was signed in April of this year, directs the Department of the Interior to review all national monuments designated since 1996 that are larger than 100,000 acres. This includes 27 monuments, such as the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah.
The purpose of the review is to determine whether the size of these monuments is necessary for their protection and management. According to Burgum, the administration is taking this responsibility seriously and is committed to ensuring that the boundaries of these national monuments are appropriate and in line with the intended purpose of the Antiquities Act.
The Antiquities Act, which was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906, grants the president the authority to designate national monuments to protect areas of historic, cultural, or scientific significance. However, there have been concerns that the use of this act has led to the designation of national monuments that are too large and restrict economic activities in the surrounding areas.
In his remarks, Burgum emphasized that the review process is not about eliminating national monuments, but rather about ensuring that they are the right size for their intended purpose. He stated, “We are not looking to get rid of any national monuments, we are simply reviewing their boundaries to ensure that they are appropriate and in line with the Antiquities Act.”
The announcement of the review has been met with mixed reactions. Some conservation groups have expressed concerns that this could lead to the shrinking of national monuments and the potential loss of important cultural and natural resources. However, others have welcomed the review, stating that it is necessary to ensure that national monuments are not unnecessarily restricting economic activities in the surrounding areas.
Burgum also emphasized that the review process will be transparent and inclusive, with opportunities for public input and consultation with stakeholders. He stated, “We want to make sure that we are taking into account all perspectives and that the decisions made are in the best interest of the American people.”
The review of national monument boundaries is a significant step towards fulfilling President Trump’s promise to review and potentially modify the designations made by previous administrations. This has been a contentious issue, with some arguing that national monument designations have been used as a political tool, while others believe that they are necessary for the protection of important natural and cultural resources.
As the review process continues, it is important to remember that the goal is not to eliminate national monuments, but rather to ensure that they are the appropriate size for their intended purpose. This is a positive step towards responsible management of our national treasures and ensuring that they are accessible to all Americans.
In conclusion, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s confirmation of the review of national monument boundaries is a significant development that has the potential to impact several national monuments. The administration’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive process is commendable, and it is important for all stakeholders to participate and provide their input. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that our national monuments are managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, preserving their important resources for future generations to enjoy.