[Malachai Constant]

Thanks President Obama Latest National Monument adjacent to Canyonlands

[graywolf]

[NacMacFeegle]

+ Gold Buttes!

[gb]

There is no question that the Dark Canyon Plateau along with adjacent Cedar Mesa is home to many of the most valuable and complete archaeological sites of Pueblo pre-historic culture. A friend of mine has long explored both of these areas and I've joined him a few times. Unlike many of the locals, my friend respected the archaeological sites and recognized them as a valuable part of the pre-history of the United States as well as of the legacy of Native Americans. Though the sites were protected by the Antiquities Act of 1906, that didn't keep many locals from breaking the law to the detriment of the cultural resources. The most recent blatant example of that came a few years ago when a group of Blanding locals were put on trial after decades of law breaking. Convictions were obtained, heavy fines levied, the offending parties shamed, and with a ring leader committing suicide. In the mid-90's I visited a site in the greater Grand Gulch area that my friend knew about that had a number of pots (one of which had been repaired with pitch), both corrugated and painted, a baby's headboard and carrying basket, painted gourds, corn grinding stations, a bundle of arrows, and what my friend recognized as gaming pieces similar to those found in Mayan cultures of Central America. I visited this site and we showed the utmost respect, erasing our tracks and leaving everything exactly as we had found it. A few years later my friend reported that all of the cultural artifacts of this very unique Pueblo work site had been stolen in a crime against the pre-history of the United States, and the legacy of modern Americans. By now, the lawlessness of certain locals has taken a toll making it unlikely similar surface sites or surface artifacts will be found. Nonetheless, middens still contain valuable archaeological resources. For it's part the Utah congressional delegation has made noises about protecting the Bears Ears area with the area of the proposed designation being along the same lines as that of the new monument. The leaders of this "effort" were Bishop and Chaffetz, but one has to question the honesty of their effort, especially given recent statements of another member of the delegation that the holes dug near these sites were the work of Badgers; an obvious lie. Had the Utah delegation been honest about their efforts they could easily have worked with the President in passing meaningful legislation so protecting this area. The proof is in the pudding. They did not. The plan of having Native Americans act as Monument guardians is a brilliant one as Native Americans care deeply about their heritage.

[joker]

I have heard great things about this area, both in terms of the artifacts as well as the recreational opportunities. From friends as well as from UT locals who I've met while travelling. I look forward to its being (somewhat) protected by NM status for years to come, presuming the coming undivided government doesn't find a way to undo this protection.

[Joey]

I found a GIS server with pics in the Bears Ears area by Tim Peterson. Click a red dot for the pic link. View larger size in new window

[puzzlr]

Presidents are constrained in how much they can affect environmental issues, but setting aside land is one way that's concrete and effective. This makes my day. These actions often take place at the end of a presidential term, but I don't expect a repeat 4 years from now.

[trestle]

This might be the last land to receive any form of federal protection for the coming years.

[gb]

Here is the official proclamation which details the resources, cultural and otherwise that are found within the new monument: https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/28/proclamation-establishment-bears-ears-national-monument

[RodF]

[Malachai Constant]

National Monuments are under the Antiquities Act which is very different from the Wilderness Act. In fact, the Antiquities act was expressly passed to protect First Nation relics from pot hunters, and not wilderness. Under Teddy Roosevelt it was expanded to cover natural wonders. There is not the slightest conflict.

[joker]

[RodF]

Malachi, National Monument designation does not supercede or nullify Wilderness designation.. Bears Ears National Monument includes Dark Canyon Wilderness (designated in the Utah Wilderness Act of 1984) in Manti-La Sal National Forest, Natural Bridges National Monument (72% of which NPS has determined is suitable for wilderness designation, and manages as wilderness), many BLM Wilderness Study Areas (also managed as wilderness, pending designation), and several USFS inventoried roadless areas which are eligible for wilderness study in the upcoming management plan. Note Bears Ears is a unique national monument, with joint agency management.

[drm]

[RumiDude]