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document_iddate_postedcommentutahsentimentdocument_url
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DOI-2017-0002-00135/11/2017I am a resident of Utah. I want to comment on the two National Monuments in Utah currently under your review. 1. Bears Ears. I have travelled in the area in the past, but had never heard of all this area has to offer in outdoor recreation. I will now follow the all this new information available and visit this area soon. 2. Grand Staircase-Escalante was exactly the same to me before it became a National Monument. I had never seen it before. Once it became a National Monument, I followed all the new information that came out at that time. I packed up the car, my mom, and my camera. We spent 3 days exploring this new area...and it is very much worth keeping in the National Monument system. Please remember that National Monuments often progress in time to be changed over to National Parks. I have children, and there is nothing more I can leave to them then our National Parks and Monuments. Utah has the big 5 National Parks now, and we should keep (and add) all this beautiful national land for the whole nation to visit (as well as a very busy international visitor list). The Big 5 are overflowing with visitors. Lets open more monuments and share those visitors around our beautiful state. Thank you.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0013
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DOI-2017-0002-00145/11/2017Please do not rescind or reduce the size of any our our nation's national monuments. Please do not allow natural resource extraction on any of our public lands.

We want more national monuments, more natural and cultural assets preserved for future generations - not less.

I live in Utah and I know Bears Ears and Grand Escalante National Monuments are being specifically targeted for review. Do not touch these national treasures. Do not rescind or reduce these national monuments. Do not allow natural resource extraction to destroy these national treasures. Both monuments contain beautiful, fragile, unique geology and living ecosystems that need protection. There exist thousands of historic Native American ruins and artifacts which need protection.

Specifically for Bears Ears, some San Juan County residents (who have no special claim to this FEDERAL land) who I have spoken to object because they fear loss of access, or loss of ranching, or loss fishing and hunting access. None of this has changed with monument designation.

The local business owners of the San Juan County Chamber of Commerce supports the monument.

While Federal land, belonging to all Americans, the Native American tribes do have reason for special consideration - the cultural and historical significance of the area is Native American. The grave sites and ruins are Native American. The land is sacred to these tribes. Five tribes from the area have created the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition to officially support the monument designation and another 30 tribes have signed on to support. There are a few individual tribe members who oppose, but they are in the distinct minority. No tribe opposes.

Please, the national monuments are wonderful, don't take away their protection. Don't let them be destroyed by short-sighted mining and energy companies.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0014
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DOI-2017-0002-00505/11/2017As someone who has lived in Utah for 40 years now, I have been actively involved in protecting America's public lands. I have spent thousands of hours camping, hiking and exploring Southern Utah. I know the land and the people of Utah well.
With that said I support both the GESNM and BENM. The designations have insured the land and the current uses on them will continue for generations to come. Additionally, they have contributed to the economic development of the communities surrounding the Monuments. Numerous studies have shown that.
Lastly, the Antiquities Act enables a President to designate a Monument. If the Trump administration or Utah's congressional delegation want to rescind any monuments I suggest they follow the law and go thru Congress to get that done. The last thing we need is years of lawsuits and contentious debate that would follow if the President tries to rescind or alter the boundaries of our current Monuments.
Thank you for hearing my support of our National Monuments here in Utah and across the country.
John Trout
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0050
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DOI-2017-0002-00635/11/2017Dear Secretary Zinke ,

I live in Utah, going on 20+ years now, and you are hearing a false narrative from our good ole boy representatives.

Utahn's love Bears Ears and Escalante National Monuments!!!

My family, my friends, my relatives, camp, hike, backpack, paddle, raft, and explore both of these national monuments every year. They are what drew us to Utah and the West 25yrs ago and is what keeps us here. My cousins from Vancouver, Ottawa, and Toronto just returned from a backpack in Escalante/ Coyote Gulch. We're planning on a 3- day backpacking trip in Bears Ears/Grand Gulch over Memorial day and a 7 day raft trip on the San Juan thru Bears Ears in June with 10 local kids.

These places keep us sane and generate a renewable source of income for the entire state.

I ask you, since my representatives refuse to represent me, to do all you can to keep these monuments intact. Please do it for my kids and for yours.

Thank-you,

David Nix, PhD

Research Scientist, Huntsman Cancer Institute
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0063
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DOI-2017-0002-00665/11/2017I am lifelong resident of Utah, and I want to express my deep concerns that the voice being given against our National Monuments by the Utah delegation is absolutely not the voice that many in this state actually hold. As a Utahan I am proud of my state being identified with some of the most spectacular and iconic environment in the world. I want every protection made to protect our rugged wilderness and ensure that it is available to me, my daughter, her children, and any other citizen of our country. This stands at odds with everything I am hearing from the Utah delegation and elected officials who are attempting to spin a story that Utahans are united in their opposition to how federal land is managed in this state. It is a complete fabrication being supported by interests that often run completely afoul of the types of protections needed to insure true preservation, and for these reasons I am deeply opposed to any action that will change or augment current National Monument designations (in, or outside, Utah).

Jim Kichas
2430 East 6660 South
Cottonwood Heights, Utah 84121
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0066
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DOI-2017-0002-00825/11/2017I wish to register my support for the Bear's Ears Monument. I have been a Utah resident for 29 years and have hiked in the Bear's Ears. This is an amazing area with important ecological functions that deserves the protection of monument status. There has been extensive public involvement in the process of designating the monument including involvement of local groups of Native Americans. I live and work in Utah to have access to the public lands.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0082
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DOI-2017-0002-01005/11/2017I wish to offer my request that Bears Ears National Monument (and Grand Staircase Nat'l Monument) be left as is and not altered in any way. I am a 46 year resident of Utah and have experienced the beauty and the healing impact of these lands. When you visit these areas you are given the opportunity to experience nature, history and native cultures and an unforgettable awe that is difficult to explain if you have not experienced it. Luckily I have and will never forget those experiences.

The majority of local residents near Grand Staircase are pro-monument as they have seen increased economic benefits from the designation. Statewide polls show that a majority of state residents support these monuments. The former Interior Secretary, Sally Yates, conducted a 3 hour public hearing about Bears Ears and spoke to many residents of Utah before recommending the designation. I personally wrote to President Obama voicing my support of the designation as did many, many others in the state. There are a small number of residents who oppose these monuments in comparison with those who support them. It is also time to allow our native peoples the respect they deserve and hear their pleas for preservation of Bears Ears as it now exists.

There has been much misinformation bandied around by those opposed to these monuments. I would request that an impartial review of all views on these monuments be considered. You might start by reviewing public comments in the Opinion section of the Salt Lake Tribune sent over several weeks/months by so many of Utah residents who know and love these lands and want them preserved for all time. It is time to listen to all the people of Utah and not just the anti-government residents.

The economic benefits that Utah sees from its national parks and monuments are undeniable. They benefit the many not just the few. Please preserve the beautiful land and irreplaceable antiquities of these monuments. Bears Ears is sacred to the native peoples and to many of the rest of us.

Thank you for your consideration of my heartfelt plea.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0100
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DOI-2017-0002-01165/11/2017To Whom it May Concern - I am writing in support of the established national monuments in Utah, in particular Bears Ears and Grand Staircase national monuments which are being considered to rescind their size or remove their designation in totality.

First off, I am a resident of Utah who is very proud of the land and the beauty it offers ALL Americans and international visitors. I recently took my elderly parents on a trip to Grand Staircase. We supported the towns of Escalante and Boulder by eating in their establishments and staying in their hotels. Restaurants were crowded and we had to go off season as there were no room available during 'tourist' time. I hear from Utah residents how the monuments are destroying their town, their livelihood, etc., but from what I could see, it was contributing to their livelihood. New homes were being built, new establishments, etc. It is also not true that having a monument will "NOT" allow grazing/ranching/fishing/recreating, etc. I first visited Escalante in the 1990's, way before it became a monument and all those things (grazing/ranching/fishing/recreating) are still going on. Destroying the land to allow short term industries, like coal mining, gas drilling, only assists the towns temporarily. Those industries are not the future, but like the pony express, blacksmithing, etc. are of the past. Other things to consider are the amount of archaeological information/history that is in Grand Staircase. The Utah Museum of Natural History have found so many dinosaur bones on the Kaiparowtts plateau! Even the Mormon Pioneers have history there. Old Ranchers, paths nitched into the rock. There is so much history that can be found.

Secondly, mainly in regards to Bears Ears national monument, how often do we have 5 indigenous tribes working together to protect a land they hold sacred? Unfortunately, rarely. So the fact that all these individuals and groups think this area is worth preserving deserve to have it protected. I recently heard a talk with a San Juan county resident who emphasized that the monument would take away their right to graze their cattle and ranch the land. Again, that's not true. Grazing doesn't go away. The county residents shouldn't be 'ranching' on federal land. If they own a ranch, then that is their land and it wont affect it. Allowing the land to be privately owned has backfired as the school trust land recently auctioned off land that is now off limits to EVERYONE. Unfortunately, on one of my first trips to Blanding I went to see the kiva just outside of town. It had been vandalized, graffitied, and nearly destroyed. We, as citizens of this country, need to preserve our past, respect other cultures and be thankful for what we have.

Third, a lot has been commented on how much public outreach or coordination with 'relevant stakeholders' has taken place. For years the areas of Grand Staircase were included in legislation to make parts of it wilderness (a much more stringent conservation label that would not have allowed grazing) and Bears Ears has been under consideration for over 7 years. Congressman Bishop tried to create a plan that many stakeholders didnt feel was adequate enough. Our last president felt it appropriate to honor the wishes of the majority of the tribes who want this protected. I know a big emphasis is on the San Juan county residents, but unfortunately, the tribe makes up the majority of those residents and it's been proven time and time that their voices are 'silenced'.

I hope you consider my request to keep the monuments as they are. I don't think people 20 years from now will be disappointed.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0116
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DOI-2017-0002-01755/11/2017I am a Utah resident and am deeply offended by the executive order and the way in which Zinke conducted his visit while in Utah. The residents of Utah stand with our National Monuments here in Utah and across the country. The Antiquities Act is an act for all Americans. Special interest entities have no place in this discussion. Keep our public lands in public hands and keep our Monuments protected. Stand with Bears Ears now! These lands are special, sacred, and must be protected!TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0175
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DOI-2017-0002-03535/12/2017Secretary Zinke,

My name is Sara Flannery and I live in San Juan County. Thank you for doing this review of National Monuments. This is the type of process that should be done prior to any designation. I am writing to ask you to please rescind the Bears Ears National Monument. Much of our county is already federal land. We need this land for multi-use public access. The area is too sensitive to take on tourism by the millions as a monument. Vandalism, desecration, littering all skyrocket in federally designated areas. Looting is bound to increasere artifacts and pottery shards everywhere. I'm sure many would love to take home a "souvenir." A monument will do the exact opposite of what proponents are hoping it will do. When those sort of activities occur, restrictions and closures are bound to happen. San Juan County cannot have that for us to continue our way of life and keep the dynamic of our communities. We do not want to risk changes to our livelihoods. We do not want to depend on seasonal, tourism. Those jobs cannot support families. We look to Garfield County as an example of what could happen. Thank you for visiting San Juan County and looking out for rural America. We need protected too.

Sara Flannery
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0353
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DOI-2017-0002-03605/12/2017Please leave Bear Ears and Grand Escalante National Monument with that status. We need to protect these beautiful lands from those who would abuse or develop it. I have lived in Utah for 11 years and I have not been impressed with the state and local government when it comes to environmental issues. There is what I call a "cowboy mentality". "This is my land and nobody is going to tell me what to do." When we moved here in 2006 there wasn't even any recycling happening. People do not save or conserve water. People want drive their 4-wheelers everywhere, regardless of whom it impacts or how safe it is.I feel the Federal government needs to protect these lands for everyone, not just a few locals. The whole world travels to Utah to see the national parks and these monuments are no less important. Left to their own devices, our state and local governments would only care about how to make a dollar. I am a descendant of 10 Mormon pioneers, even though I returned to the state 11 years ago, so I understand the pioneer heritage but I believe we are to be stewards of the land and therefore should protect it.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0360
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DOI-2017-0002-03615/12/2017I strongly oppose any elimination or shrinkage of our national monuments. I live in Utah and will visit the Bears Ears area this weekend. Respect the tribes and archaeological sites. Expand Bears Ears NM to the size originally requested by the tribes.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0361
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DOI-2017-0002-04025/12/2017Secretary Zinke,

Thank you so much for coming to San Juan County and giving us a voice. I am against the monument. I believe some of the land needs extra protection, but the 1.39 million acres is to much. I believe that public land best use is multiple use. This monument will affect the culture and lifestyles of the people who live in San Juan County. Many of us depend on the land for many uses, farming, ranching, mining, recreation, herb, pinion and wood gathering. Many families depend on the wood to heat their homes and cook. The local people love this land and take care of it. I know a few residents have participated in looting and vandalism but the majority do all they can to protect it. The rancher and farmers need the land, they are the true environmentalist. They know they need to take care of it so it will be a benefit to them. We in San Juan County choose to live here, we love the lifestyle and culture it provides to raise a family. A monument is advertised to all the world, inviting millions of people here. In 2016 Grand Staircase Escalante saw 1400 cases of looting and vandalism while In the past five years San Juan County saw only 25. With the monument the large area it is, will be impossible to maintain. Our National Monuments and Parks are being loved to death. I don't believe a monument this size will offer protection. My son-in-law came upon some men who tried to drive their BMW up the Mountain road in April. They became bogged down in snow and mud and almost slid off a cliff. Rock Climbers came into the area by Cottonwood crossing UTE land, not knowing if they were off of it, made a youtube video of them clearing the cliffs for future climbers. They were knocking down rocks and boulders that were in the way. I don't believe this is taking care of the land and protecting it. If a smaller area is designated as a monument it will be easier to maintain and teach people to be respectful. the most disturbing thing with this monument was the dishonesty of environmental groups and seeing their agenda pushed on the residents. When Secretary Jewell the meeting in Bluff was to have local input. I arrived earlier in the day. Bus after Bus came to this small community. Many of the people were paid with a free trip, free food an a free t-shirt. Many did not even know why they were there and where the Bears Ears Were located. I watched a man gather these people around as they got off the bus. They were told they were to say that they were there to protect the Bears Ears and were to take up seats so the locals could not get in. It was very saddening to see the dishonesty that went on. That is why is has been so refreshing to see that you actually seem interested in all sides and views of the people in San Juan County. Please rescind the monument or reduce the size greatly. Let the people use the land In many different ways.

Thank You,
Leslie Nielson
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0402
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DOI-2017-0002-04115/12/2017I live in La Sal, San Juan County, Utah. From my house I can see the Bears Ears National Monument. I live less than 15 miles from the north boundary. I am in total support of Bears Ears National Monument. Also Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

As a Vietnam veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, I use these areas to find peace, quiet, and solitute. I find it sad your traveling partners to the Bears Ears National Monument were all people who want to drill, mine and sell these lands. Look up "Lyman Farms" and see what is happening in Utah.

As a San Juan County, Utah resident I want my voice to be heard I want the Bears Ears National Monument. It is, after all, public land that belongs to all Americans, not to locals, or to the State of Utah. Once it is gone, you can't find another.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0411
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DOI-2017-0002-04345/12/2017Please do not rescind national monuments. The national monument designations are NOT land grabs and they are not made
without consideration for or input from concerned parties. The Antiquities Act is important for the preservation of these special places. The interests of those who disagree with the designations are not in line with that endeavor. The Bears Ears national monument designation aligned with all the requirements as stated in the Public Lands Initiative with one exception: no NEW mineral or fossil fuels leases may be initiated. The Grand Staircase Escalante monument with its inaccessible coal beds has been in place since 1996 and the businesses that have thrived as a result would suffer greatly. As a Utah resident and supporter of these and all monuments, I am begging to let them stand.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0434
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DOI-2017-0002-05195/12/2017As a resident of Utah, I am against the review of Bears Ears and other National Monuments since 1996. Although I believe the Antiquities Act may not be the proper channel to protect our nation's spectacular lands, I feel it is the only way in some cases such as this. I have very little faith that federal or state government entities are capable of carrying out the wishes of Americans (even when in majority) to protect such lands. I feel they ignore protection in order to bow to short-term industry and corporate desires, whether grazing, mining, or energy extraction. We need to protect these lands for the long term.

If existing monuments such as Grand Staircase Escalante become reduced in size or eliminated, this will have a very negative impact to locals who may have been originally opposed to monument designation, but now rely on them for their livelihood.

Secretary Zinke, thanks for getting out and visiting some of the monuments first-hand. Hopefully you see the beauty of the land here in Utah and beyond and understand why some of it needs protected through monument status, even if created under the Antiquities Act.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0519
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DOI-2017-0002-05545/12/2017Dear sirs
Please review
1 Canyons of the ancient' s N.M.
2 Grand stair case N.M.
3 Bears ears N.M.
All three are massive oversteps in the executive order wording and these three have no local support
Grand staircase contains the last biggest coal deposit in the West ( Andelex pre feasability study 12 million spent.) Seven billion tons.

Bears ears N
.M .has no local support.
I live in San Juan county and can attest to this.
My family has been here in SJ county since 1880s.

Canyons of the ancients N.M.has zero support from all locals.
Please E-mail me back as I have a story on Grand stair case that needs told.
Thanks
James Tibbetts
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0554
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DOI-2017-0002-05605/12/2017As a seventh-generation rural Utah resident, these National Monuments have given a voice to the tribes, the majority of Utahns, and a majority of Americans that desire to see these places preserved for their progeny.
The Bears Ears, in particular, is the kind of place that the Antiquities Act was made to protect. This designation is a victory for the tribes, their history, and their ancestral homeland. It deserves the protections provided by the designation.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0560
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DOI-2017-0002-06535/12/2017Concerning The Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Monuments in Utah. I am a lifelong resident of Utah and enjoy motorized travel on the trail systems in the state.
I am not saying that we need a road or trail on top of every mountain, but I do think we should keep the motorized access that we have now. I don't want to see massive development
in these areas, but I do think that the Antiquities Act has been abused in both of the Monuments mentioned above. I believe that the Intent of the law is to protect the smallest amount of land, or area to safeguard a specific sight or
item, such as rock art or cliff dwellings, and other ancient structures. This would surely not amount to 1.3 million acres at the Bears Ears, or 1.7 million of the Grand Staircase.
Locking most of the people out of their public land is not the answer. Most of the local people are against these Monuments as they now exist. I do think that both of these monuments should be re evaluated, and the whole process by which monuments are created should be carefully scrutinized. Thank you.
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0653
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DOI-2017-0002-06565/12/2017I have been visiting the Bears Ears National Monument for the past 39 years I have lived in Utah. This beautiful and important land needs to be protected. The State of Utah will not do that. They will develop it. After decades of Indian land being desecrated by looters and development, it is time to give this land over to their oversight.

As an outdoor enthusiast who loves our public lands, I support the designation of Bears Ears National Monument and ask that it's boundaries remain unchanged.

For more than 100 years, Presidents of both parties have used the Antiquities Act-a tool signed into law by Theodore Roosevelt-to enact far-sighted protections for our common American inheritance. Bears Ears is exactly the kind of place the Antiquities Act intended to protect. It is rich in cultural history which inspired a historic coalition of tribes to band together to push for its designation. In addition to protecting over 100,000 archaeological sites, the designation preserves world-class recreation opportunities in places like Cedar Mesa, Grand Gulch, and Indian Creek.

The process that led to the designation of Bears Ears National Monument was thorough and transparent. For more than 80 years, decision makers from all sides presented proposals seeking permanent protection of all or part of this incredible landscape. The boundaries were informed by both the multi-year Public Lands Initiative and by a proposal from the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. Those boundaries do not exceed the acreage necessary to preserve the rich cultural heritage, ecological values, and recreation assets.

Thank you for reviewing the decades of hard work and thoughtful consideration that culminated in the designation of Bears Ears National Monument. Please recommend that President Trump leave the current Bears Ears National Monument boundaries in place.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0656
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DOI-2017-0002-06885/12/2017As a resident of of southern Utah, who lives bordering the National Monument of The Grand Staircase-Escalante,I would like to voice my feelings and thought about the Monument. We would like to see the Monumnet status rescinded, so that we could have an increased access, and use of the monument and resources we need. We live in such a remote location, and cannot easily access wood for heating our home, which is a financial burden, and seems ridiculous we are surrounded by dead wood we are not allowed to collect. Also we feel it is wrong for the residents of Utah to not be able to reap the benefits of the additional natural resources like coal, and the financial benefits it would bring the surrounding communities who have a hard time making a living wage solely on the tourist industry. The only folks who benefit from from the tourist industry surrounding the monument is the business, while those who work for them cannot make a living wage.
The communities who border the monument are low income and should be able to use and benefit from the land they border without so much restriction as the Monument status has been put upon the use of the land.
Our great country should not tie up valuable natural resources, like coal, and oil, it seems wasteful and foolish to the them up. The general consensus among local residents is that they resent the monument status, while those who are newer residents don't appreciate the fact that older residents who used the land more freely before the monument status, have greater perspective from how it was before.
As Utah residents we love and value the land, and we don't need a monument to protect and cherish what it is. It's a fact that those who are in favor of rescinding the monument status, are not as noisy and apt to come forward as those who wish to keep the Monument status, as they are not minded like the activist who stand and make a lot of noise in favor of keeping the monument, so I worry that folks like me won't be heard, but I assure you they are more the majority none the less.
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0688
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DOI-2017-0002-07245/12/2017Our public lands, for all to enjoy and learn from, are our greatest treasure in this nation. This attempt by our government to sell our public lands is an outright shame. And it is taking so many steps back from the conservation efforts we need to be implementing. We demand that our national monuments stay protected. These monuments are not only of scientific and archaeological importance, but many, such as the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, are sacred cultural sites and of spiritual significance to Native Americans. These are public lands for all to enjoy and should not even be under consideration for being sold off. I am a new resident of Utah and I am amazed by the natural beauty held here. We will not accept the government stripping our most beautiful lands and national treasures for profit.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0724
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DOI-2017-0002-07385/12/2017As a Utah resident and outdoor enthusiast who loves our public lands, especially Southern Utah, I support the designation of Bears Ears National Monument and ask that it's boundaries remain unchanged.

For more than 100 years, Presidents of both parties have used the Antiquities Act-a tool signed into law by Theodore Roosevelt-to enact far-sighted protections for our common American inheritance. Bears Ears is exactly the kind of place the Antiquities Act intended to protect. It is rich in cultural history which inspired a historic coalition of tribes to band together to push for its designation. In addition to protecting over 100,000 archaeological sites, the designation preserves world-class recreation opportunities in places like Cedar Mesa, Grand Gulch, and Indian Creek.

The process that led to the designation of Bears Ears National Monument was thorough and transparent. For more than 80 years, decision makers from all sides presented proposals seeking permanent protection of all or part of this incredible landscape. The boundaries were informed by both the multi-year Public Lands Initiative and by a proposal from the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition. Those boundaries do not exceed the acreage necessary to preserve the rich cultural heritage, ecological values, and recreation assets.

Thank you for reviewing the decades of hard work and thoughtful consideration that culminated in the designation of Bears Ears National Monument. Please recommend that President Trump leave the current Bears Ears National Monument boundaries in place.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0738
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DOI-2017-0002-07545/12/2017I am absolutely 100% AGAINST the designation of millions of acres of usable public lands as a national monument. As a resident of Utah, I have personally witnessed the disastrous effects on our local economy that these land grabs have had over the years. The mismanagement of these lands is a national travesty. Return these lands to the capable and caring hands of the locals immediately.TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0754
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DOI-2017-0002-08185/12/2017I am a Utah resident, and grew up here. The Bears Ears National Monument must remain protected. I disagree with any effort to rescind or revise its dedication as a national monument. National monument status is the best means to preserve multiple-use rights, respect the native interests in the land, and allow all Americans the opportunity to enjoy this valuable landscape.

Secondarily, I wish to register my broad disapproval of any effort to rescind or revise other national monument designations under this review process. National monument designations are a vital means to protect nationally important landscapes and represent stewardship of the land for everyone, including local residents, hunters and fishermen, native groups, and outdoors enthusiasts from across the nation.

Further, national monuments, like national parks, contributed mightily to the outdoor recreation industry, which powers more than 7 million jobs, $800 billion in yearly consumer spending, and tens of billions of dollars in state and national tax revenue every year, to say nothing of tourism. Threatening these for marginal gains in resource-extraction industry is bad economic policy, and poor stewardship of national resources.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-0818
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DOI-2017-0002-1001325/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

I am a Utah resident and I want to express my complete support for the recently created Bears Ears National Monument. My family and I make regular trips to the various National Parks and Monuments in the state of Utah. We consider ourselves lucky to be able to visit and enjoy such spectacular country. Many regular citizens of Utah including native peoples, sportsmen, and outdoor enthusiasts are strongly supportive of the Bear Ears monument and oppose any move to rescind or reduce its boundaries. Designation of the Bears Ears National Monument occurred after many years of public and stakeholder input. During your recent visit to Utah, you no doubt heard plenty of opinions from our congressional delegation and other officials in Utah who resist the creation of any monument on ideological grounds - these voices do not represent the viewpoint of many Utahns. Please be aware that you were largely insulated from groups supportive of the Bears Ears monument positions during your visit.

I understand that President Trump is seeking to put rural counties back to work. National Parks and monuments are significant drivers of local economies as business leaders in towns surrounding the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument have attested. And the huge numbers of visitors filling Utah's National Parks beyond capacity indicate that there is plenty of demand for the kinds of recreational activities supported by Parks and Monuments. Tourism and recreation can provide a sustainable economic foundation for these regions going forward.

American citizens and visitors to this great country come to the western United States for the expansive scenery and untouched vistas that give us a sense of perspective for our place in the world. These designated monuments are national treasures. Affording them protection takes vision, courage and maybe some political capital but that is a small price to pay to assure that these lands are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100132
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DOI-2017-0002-100145/15/2017I have lived in Utah my entire life. One of the reasons I have chosen to stay here and continue working as an engineer is Utah's unmatched natural resources and awe inspiring beauty. Utah is best served by protecting and preserving our lands for use and enjoyment of future generations. I am resolute in my support of all current national monuments, including Bears Ears, in which I have spent many weeks of my life connecting with both nature and Utah's anthropologic history.

Do not continue on a path of shortsightedness, where economic gain is prioritized over long term purity of our gorgeous state.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-10014
29
DOI-2017-0002-1001515/26/2017Please preserve our national monuments. As a lifelong resident of Utah, I spent my childhood in our federal, preserved lands, and grew up here. Grand Staircase, in specific, is where I grew up, and it has taught me many lessons through its incredible beauty.

DO NOT TAKE OUR PUBLIC LANDS!

Katherine Moser, SLC, UT, 22 years old
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100151
30
DOI-2017-0002-1001575/26/2017I've been a resident of Utah since 1970. I love this state. I am very much AGAINST the Bears Ears monument. The huge size of the monument is troublesome. Too much of Utah is controlled by the federal government. A much much smaller monument is acceptable to me. The process of monument designation should be the work of Congress--not a President. And NOT in the manner former Presidents Clinton and Obama employed.TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100157
31
DOI-2017-0002-1002095/26/2017I am writing as a concerned citizen, who lived in Utah for 24 years. I support the designation of Bear's Ears as a National Monument. It is culturally significant, beautiful country, that should be set aside for the enjoyment of everyone , not given to the extractive industries to destroy. Grand Staircase-Escalante is another place of unparalleled beauty that also desrves to keep its designation and its acreage. Please, do not change the size or designation of these beautiful places .TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100209
32
DOI-2017-0002-1002715/26/2017I support all of our National Monuments - they are National Treasures that need to be protected. As a resident of Utah, I am especially interested in keeping Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante as they were designated. I am a frequent visitor to many of our public lands and hope they are protected for all Americans to enjoy as I have, vice being exploited by our State government for the benifit of a few. Thank You.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100271
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DOI-2017-0002-1003295/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I am a native born Utah resident, husband and father of four working in the local tech industry. The area covered by the Bears Ears National Monument is sacred to us in so many ways. As the population grows and more people visit the state, I've personally seen lands misused and historic sites ruined and sometimes access is restricted harshly. I've also witnessed irreparable misuse by short sighted industry. Unlike forest land, the desert doesn't heal. You likely know this region is incomparable to any other on earth and produces more dinosaur species than any other. It's human history is worn on the walls and buried in the caves. It deserves protection. Please don't let us down. We ask you to protect Bears Ears.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100329
34
DOI-2017-0002-1003675/26/2017As a Utah resident, I'd not only like to see existing Utah monuments preserved (Grand Staircase-Escalante, Bears Ears) and perhaps expanded, but additional land like San Rafael Swell set aside as a monument or national park. Usage of existing parks is often stretched to capacity. Too little public land is protected from development. For those with median income or better who are not in the one percent category, few affordable recreation opportunities exist aside from federal and state parks, federal monuments, and BLM land. Federal, state and local Utah officials push agendas like prison relocation at taxpayer expense to free up high value land for development in response to lobbyists, but do not show interest in preserving some of the most beautiful land in the United States for their constituents and their children.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100367
35
DOI-2017-0002-1003915/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

As a life-long resident of Utah, I respectfully urge you to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument designation. It is very unfair that we in western states are the only areas in the United States with large areas of federal land in our borders. The use of the Antiquities Act by presidents to designate millions of acres of land as national monuments disparately impact all western states. The Bears Ears National Monument is almost twice the size of the state of Rhode Island; maybe it's time to reclaim and designate some areas in the east for a change!

We are trying to make a living in rural Utah, too!

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

William Brock
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100391
36
DOI-2017-0002-1003965/26/2017Ryan Zinke,

As a 30 year resident of Utah I strongly encourage you to maintain the designation of Bears Ears national Monument. Having these open spaces is critical for our people. Thank you.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100396
37
DOI-2017-0002-1005695/26/2017National Monuments are part of our American birthright; priceless treasures we must pass along to generations to come. To rescind these designations would not only be illegal, it would be immoral--a short-sighted political move that would harm millions of people for temporary economic gain of a very few. Having lived in Utah most of my life, I believe national monuments and parks are incredibly important to the quality of life here. Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in particular offer value to all citizens. I strongly urge the Department of the Interior to retain these monument designations as they are. Thank you.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100569
38
DOI-2017-0002-1005855/26/2017I am writing to express my support for the Bears' Ears National Monument as designated by former President Barrack Obama. This designation protects the Bears' Ears land from development and ensures the land exists for the benefit of all Americans. I am a resident of Utah and I don't want to see this precious National Monument compromised by the current
Administration. Please don't change the designation of this land as a National Monument or modify the current configuration of lands so designated. This and other National Monuments need to be preserved now and for future generations. Thank you.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100585
39
DOI-2017-0002-1009305/26/2017I live in Utah. Leave the Utah monument designations as they stand.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100930
40
DOI-2017-0002-1009945/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I'm resident of Utah and want you to know of my support for maintaining both Bears Ears and Escalante intact. I'm an immigrant to the states having come from Uruguay with my parents and siblings as a 6 year old in 1962. My parents fell in love with southern Utah and when we had relatives come from Uruguay to visit we would take them to the wild lands in southern Utah to see the red rock and the vast open spaces. They were always awstruck by the rugged beaty of these lands. I have not yet been to Bears Ears, but I've camped and backpacked the Escalante area several times. I've taken my family, friends and scouts to hike the Escalante River and the Death Hollow area. I think it would be a terrible tragedy to diminish these areas by opening them up to the extractive industries for short term gains. The oil, gas and coal industries are a boom and bust enterprise. In the Uinta basin area of Utah, a few years ago they had a boom because of oil, not anymore. I understand the plight of some of the long term residents of these areas, but they need to look to the future not the past for their long term success. Regarding the Bears Ears area, it is my understanding that this is the first time Native American Tribes have petitioned to have an area set aside to honor their past and their culture. With the shameful history we as Americans have related to how we have treated the Native Americans, I think we should honor the Bears Ears Monument and leave it intact.

Sincerely,
Elroy Vogler
West Jordan, UT 84088
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-100994
41
DOI-2017-0002-1010735/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

I live in Utah and firmly believe that lands designated as National Monuments should keep their designations. The legislature and governor in Utah do not have a positive track record on environmental matters and I don't believe they would protect it from industry that would destroy its natural beauty and sacred history. Time and again our politicians have favored polluting industry at the expense of the citizenry who endure off the chart poor air quality in the winter and summer months. Utah is littered with once beautiful mountain sides and canyons that are either lopped off for mining or stuck with giant refineries of sorts, taking away from their beauty and adding pollution to our air and water. I don't want to see that happen on these lands. Please keep the national monument designations.

Thank you,
Marissa Ford
Salt Lake City, Utah
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101073
42
DOI-2017-0002-1012705/26/2017I am requesting NO reduction in size or rescinding designation as National Monuments for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante in Utah for the following reasons:
As a resident of Utah, I have enjoyed visiting our National Parks and Monuments, in Utah and across the USA, for over 50 years so far. Having these protected areas for the enjoyment of all Americans and visitors from around the world is truly what makes Utah a special place to live. I'm asking for all lands under existing protection, including all of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante to remain protected, as they are designated now.
A huge majority of tribal people in Utah have came together several years ago to ask for the protections now granted in the Bears Ears Monument. Their requests were ignored by all 6 members of the Utah Congressional delegation, especially Rep. Rob Bishop. A large majority of Utah residents celebrated the Bears Ears Monument designation at the end of 2016. Any reduction in size would be detrimental to the original purposes for preserving the cultural histories of that area.
A reduction or removal of Grand Staircase Escalante would have a huge negative impact on the local economies. The increase in tourist traffic has stimulated the growth of tourist related businesses, brought new tax dollar revenue to the area, and even benefited the traditional ranching businesses in the area.
The biggest concern for a majority of Utah residents is to maintain clean air, clear skies in currently pristine areas. In areas affected by fossil fuel extraction and processing, efforts to get rid of dirty air and smog filled skies are very expensive endeavors. Without the protections of monument status, clean air and clear skies are threatened within those current boundaries and surrounding areas.
It is our duty to insure healthy living conditions, protection of sacred sites and historically valued sites, and reasonable access to those sites for future Utah generations and world travelers.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101270
43
DOI-2017-0002-1012925/26/2017I live in Utah and lived in Montana for the first 25 years of life and have enjoyed public lands. But i do not think it is right for Presidents to change use of land just before they are done never seeing them Some lands do need to be protected but not is such large areas. It is always people that have never been to the lands that want to change things and no one wants to listen to the people that live in the area. I hear TV adds that are just not true. I think the area should be made small at less. The 2 National Monuments in Utah are too big and I am sure others are too. Garland J FergusonTRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101292
44
DOI-2017-0002-1013435/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I live in Utah and am a lover of nature and all the beautiful outdoors has to offer. I support protecting areas for preservation and the enjoyment of all. Fortunately, Utah has several protected areas. However, the last two, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase were created thoughtlessly, at the last minute, and perhaps even with political motivation, without regard to the adverse affects upon the local people and the economy of our state. The massive size of the areas is not necessary or sustainable. I propose a compromise which will protect our citizens while still allowing protected land.
TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101343
45
DOI-2017-0002-1017025/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,
I have lived in Utah for 42 years and have loved our many unique and wonderful National Parks. We are truly blessed to have this much beauty in our state. One of the most beautiful and newest ones is Bear Ears. Please consider saving this beautiful land for our future generations. It is extremely short sighted and selfish to take away what has already been put in place rightfully by another sitting president. It's very unprecedented and difficult to understand why your office would want to take this from the Native people and the citizens of Utah. This administration would do well to stop prioritizing business interests over our amazing National Parks.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101702
46
DOI-2017-0002-101765/15/2017I support the National Monuments. They provide a refuge, a place to be surrounded by unspoiled nature and history. Visiting these places is good for the soul. Human beings need these wild places.
I live in Utah and I support our Utah monuments. I take my family to Bears Ears and we soak in the silence, and the look in awe at what the Anasazi left behind. We are lucky to have such beauty and history and must protect it from development, and bad decisions.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-10176
47
DOI-2017-0002-1017775/26/2017I urge to you retain Bears Ears National Monument, which was appropriately designated by President Obama using his clear authority under the Antiquities Act. I also urge you to leave the designated 1.35 million-acre area intact. That acreage represents a reduced areal extent that was derived as a compromise to address the economic issues of monument opponents. I am a long-time Utah resident who has visited the Bears Ears area (as well as many other public lands in our State) numerous times over the last 30-plus years. It is incomparable. On the other hand, many, many acres in Utah have been and will continue to be open to development of all kinds.

I have followed the extensive process that was undertaken by members of President Obama's staff to study the issues at hand, learn about varying viewpoints, and consider alternate designation scenarios. And the seeds of the monument's consideration well pre-date his administration. As with Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, remaining operational details will be determined through the management plan process, with full transparency and public involvement.

Unfortunately, our Utah politicians have willfully chosen to ignore all of the documented processes leading up to the designation. Further, they refuse to believe that countless Utahns, myself included, fully support the designation. Instead, they have been disingenuous and disrespectful (particularly of the tribes) and have tried their best to paint a picture for you that is anything but truthful. It is difficult to understand their willful desperation. Please be better than they have been: respect the previous decision and leave Bears Ears National Monument in place.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101777
48
DOI-2017-0002-1017905/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,
I live in Utah and am writing in support of keeping our public lands public. Particularly Bears Ears--which has recently become the target of local political interests. The value of wilderness cannot be simply reduced to numbers--dollars and cents, visitors per year, or projected income from resource extraction and development. Though the scenery is spectacular, it's about more than scenery. It's about soul--which is fed and preserved, both individually and collectively, in wilderness. Wilderness is there to remind us of our place--as a people and a nation--in both history and in the greater web of life that connects us all. In a time when spiritual values are increasingly dismissed in favor of material ones, it is more important than ever to protect the sacred landscapes that reflect our identity and values and connect our future and past together .

I fervently hope that you will agree that the greater value of these lands lies in their continued preservation in the public domain where they will remain accessible to all of us now and through the future.

Yours truly,
Linda Wheatley
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101790
49
DOI-2017-0002-1019335/26/2017We are lifelong Utah residents and we wholeheartedly support the creation and maintenance in perpetuity of Grand Staircase Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. The scenery is fantastic and the artifacts priceless and absolutely in need of protection. These lands are also sacred to many Native American tribes and deserve preservation in their behalf (and the vast majority of them support this action). And they are of immeasurable longterm value to the state and the surrounding communities given their proven substantial stimulation of the recreation and tourism industries. And business people in the surrounding communities are absolutely supportive of the monuments. Ranching is marginal in these areas, coal mining supports fewer and fewer individuals, and without increasing tourism the small towns will continue to decline.

We urge you to do the right thing and maintain these sacred and wonderful areas as national monuments.

Sincerely,

Ralph Packard, PhD
Kay Packard, PhD
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-101933
50
DOI-2017-0002-1020315/26/2017I am a Utah resident and am opposed to any alterations to the designation or size of Bears Ears National Monument, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, or any of the other 25 national monuments under review across the country.

I was dismayed when President Trump signed an executive order with the goal of undermining our national monuments - places that he has never visited or taken the time to understand their value or the years of work and public process that went into their protection. Our national monuments, national parks that were first protected under the Antiquities Act, other public lands and waters truly represent the best of who we are as a nation by telling the story of our historic, cultural and natural heritage. These are also the places that should bring us together as a nation, not be used as another tool to divide us further.

I strongly urge you to oppose any efforts to eliminate or shrink the size of Bears Ears National Monument or any of the other national monuments under review. While the President does not have the legal authority to rescind or modify national monuments under the Antiquities Act, the executive order, review process and any recommendations to rescind or modify existing monuments will have lasting repercussions on public land management and protection. It opens the door for this or any future president to rescind or modify any of the monuments designated by both Republican and Democratic Presidents by proclamation under the Antiquities Act. That authority appropriately does and should remain with Congress.

I have been engaged in advocating for the protection of portions of the Bears Ears National Monument landscape for several years through various processes including the Utah Public Lands Initiative and supporting the Inter-Tribal Coalition proposal. I was truly dismayed to hear Utah's Congressional Delegation, State Representatives and local elected officials falsely call this a "midnight monument" without public input and without support from Utahns. And I was horrified to hear the disrespectful way some of our elected officials treated and talked about the Native American Tribes who proposed and advocated for protection for this sacred landscape. I am one of the majority of Utah residents who support the tribes and the designation of Bears Ears National Monument.

I have had the fortune to spend time in the Bears Ears landscape with my family over the past several years. We have camped at an overlook to Arch Canyon, hiked to the House on Fire ruin, and spent time at Natural Bridges National Monument.

Bears Ears connects a remarkable landscape, including Canyonlands National Park, Natural Bridges National Monument and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and protects an estimated 100,000 archaeological and cultural sites. The Monument honors the voices of five tribes who joined to seek protection of their shared ancestral lands and traditions.

You have been quoted repeatedly as saying all sides agree that the Bears Ears region deserves protection. Instead of setting the stage for another drawn out battle, I ask that you instead demonstrate the leadership necessary to work with the Bears Ears Commission, federal agencies, local and national stakeholders to establish and implement a management plan that safeguards the region within the designated boundaries and its antiquities from looting, vandalism, inadvertent damage and inappropriate development.

Bears Ears National Monument as proclaimed protects antiquities, a wide range of recreation access, traditional uses and provides the means for local input and tribal knowledge in management decisions. I hope that public input will truly influence your decision and that you recommend that President Trump uphold the Bears Ears National Monument designation with its current boundaries.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102031
51
DOI-2017-0002-102095/15/2017I am a Utah resident and strongly believe Bears Ears National Monument must be protected.

These lands are home thousands of cultural sites of the Ancestral Puebloan people.
This is a landscape rich in natural beauty and biodiversity that is also a critical part of the Colorado River Basin.
It must remain accessible in its current state for generations to come.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-10209
52
DOI-2017-0002-102125/15/2017I am a Utah resident and strongly believe Bears Ears National Monument must be protected.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-10212
53
DOI-2017-0002-1021295/26/2017I consider myself a budget conscious libertarian and also an outdoors man. I'm strongly in favor of saving money to get our debt dropped, but there doesn't seem to be any research that I can find to suggest that getting rid of national parks would save enough money to put any sort of dent in the debt. All the time being put into this project should have been put elsewhere to do a lot more good for our country's financial situation. As a Utah resident I'm particularly interested in our parks in state. All the evidence points to the Utah government selling the land to oil companies, an industry that is slowing down growth in Utah as renewable energy companies have been growing. It isn't hard to imagine a few years down the line when oil companies are losing business and start asking for government handouts to help hold their companies afloat.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102129
54
DOI-2017-0002-1021395/26/2017Secretary of the Interior Zinke:
I am a fifth generation Southeastern Utah resident. My great-great grandfather was one of the first pioneers to settle the Moab Valley near Bears Ears Monument in the late 1800s. My family started out ranching in the La Sal Mountains and over the years have found other occupations in the area. We are teachers, business owners, civil servants, lodging owners and managers, health workers, worked in the mining industry and many other occupations. We have worked and educated ourselves so that we would adjust to the changing economy of the area. The area is now a visitor economy, and we have worked to be a part of that. We view public lands and the Parks and Monuments as an asset and a treasure.

I believe every acre of Bears Ears Monument should be protected as a National Monument. I believe that is necessary to safeguard these valuable, precious public lands left for our children and grand-children.

I also support the active participation of the Native American Tribes in the management of this Monument. Southeastern Utah owes that much to them.

I remember my grandmother, the wife of a SE Utah cattle rancher, telling her grandchildren about The Taylor Grazing Act that was instituted in the 1930s. She told us that the land had been over-grazed, and that the resulting erosion and destruction of the land had been bad for all ranching folks. She told us that this government protection had been necessary for the good of all the people. I feel the same way about the Bears Ears Monument and the protection it will provide for future generations.

Sincerely
Carrie Bailey
Moab Utah
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102139
55
DOI-2017-0002-1022545/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

I am a resident of Utah, living in Salt Lake City, and want to request that the Department of the Interior maintain our National Monuments in their current form. As a resident of Utah:
1) I love spending time in these areas. They are beautiful and I treasure them.
2) I am proud to live in Utah because so many people from other States comment on the beauty of S. Utah.
3) The natural wonders, including the various monuments and National Parks, in S. Utah draw many tourists to Utah, who bring external funds and interest to the communities in and around the natural wonders. This type of development is far more appealing to me than the development that comes with oil rigs and fracking (like one can see near Vernal).
4) It is important to protect such beautiful and undeveloped spaces for the American people. These special places belong to all of us Americans and should remain in the hands of the public.

My zip code is 84105.

Sincerely,
Nancy Schmaus
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102254
56
DOI-2017-0002-1023825/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

I live in Utah and I support keeping Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. I am deeply disappointed that Utah's politicians were able to convince the Trump administration to challenge the use of the Antiquities Act to protect outstanding parcels of federal land in Utah, other western states and Maine. I live near Zion National Park in southern Utah, which as you know started as a national monument before becoming one of America's most treasured and visited national parks. Millon's of Utahn's, American's and visitors from around the world visit Zion, and other national parks and federal lands every year to seek respite and to find sanctuary by reconnecting with the land.

I currently work as a neural rehabilitation coach for persons recovering from trauma to the Limbic System (the feeling and reacting part of the brain). Many of my clients suffer from related conditions such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Mold Toxicity, Food Sensitivities and Chronic Lyme Disease. My clients often have a heightened sense of smell or sensitivities to smells, light, sound and foods. Many retreat to nature. A significantly stressful event or multiple cumulative stressors over time often trigger these conditions which are becoming much more prevalent. There is no doubt in my mind that the stress and pace of our modern world, enhanced by the advent of addictive and mind-controlling technology such as constant access to phones and emails is harmful to our health. I believe that nature offers us the opportunity, and today the necessity to slow down and to thus recharge our bodies, our minds and our souls.

We have the opportunity NOW to protect Bears Ears and Grand Staircase National Monuments. Both these monuments offer outstanding recreational opportunities and places people can go to explore and reconnect with nature. They are rich landscapes that contain significant archeological, paleontological, geological and scientific sites. They are lands with great biodiversity and a cultural heritage that is worthy of protection. Unlike the way Utah's politicians depicted the creation of Bears Ears "as a last minute federal land grab", five sovereign tribal governments (Hopi, Navajo, Ute Mountain Ute, Ute and Zuni) not only supported the creation of Bears Ears, they were involved in the deliberate process and discussions that began the process of creating this monument. In the Bears Ears National Monument designation, these tribes will be responsible for co-management of these lands.

Secretary Zinke, I ask you to think long term, beyond this political moment to think of future generations of Utahn's, Americans and world citizens who will cherish, respect and explore these special places. I ask you to think as Teddy Roosevelt once did when he signed the Antiquities Act to protect lands that would otherwise be developed and unavailable to us now.

Sincerely,

Linda Green
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102382
57
DOI-2017-0002-1024425/26/2017I am a Utah resident of 17 years and have spent many nights sleeping under the stars in the stunning landscape that is now called Bears Ears National Monument. I backpacked beef basin with the man who is now my husband when we first met. We spent nights camping in the Abajos for our daughters first birthday. With many more trips in between, this landscape is a part of my personal history. It must be preserved not just in the memories of those who have been there, but as it is for those who have yet to come. It is imperative that these landscapes are preserved. Protect Bears Ears and all the other monuments from your phony and immoral "review".TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102442
58
DOI-2017-0002-1025215/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke:

I have seen firsthand the treasures that Grand Staircase and Bears Ears contain. They are wild areas unlike anywhere else on this planet. They are home to many plants and animals found nowhere else. They are also rich with Native American artifacts. This land needs and deserves the protections provided by Monument status.

Rescinding these monuments is driven by nothing more than power and greed. I have lived in Utah my entire life (48 years) and at no time have I ever seen a greater need to protect these great national treasures. Frankly, the politicians of this state do not represent the views of many Utah residents and they do not care about protecting public lands. They only wish to seize control of Federal lands so they can be exploited for the monetary benefit of a few greedy individuals. One need only look at Utah Trust Lands to see exactly what the state of Utah would do with open lands. Thousands of acres of open lands have been strip-mined, clear-cut, and sold off to the highest bidder all in the name of school children. Yet Utah still has the lowest per-capita spending of any state in the nation. The development of these lands has made a great deal of profit for a few developers but has made little difference to education here in Utah. My wife has been a school teacher for 25 years in Utah and she has seen this firsthand.

Utah's politicians also claim that public lands are destroying the economies of rural Utah. That is FALSE. The towns of Escalante, Torrey, Boulder and Ruby's Inn are thriving. The towns of Moab and Springdale are literally exploding with growth all thanks to the surrounding public lands. Bear's Ears will provide the seeds of new economic growth in San Juan County. Without these Monuments the local rural economy of San Juan County will continue to languish and the economies of towns like Escalante and Boulder will decline and stagnate.

Finally, These same politicians claim that these monuments have eliminated access and taken away the local communities rights to use these lands. Wrong again. Grazing rights, mining claims and roadways are all unchanged. Furthermore, if an industry or lifestyle cannot exist without seizing control of public lands that belong to every American equally then it's time to reexamine why these practices are still being supported.

The lands contained within the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Monuments are National Treasures and should be treated as such. They encompass a vast wilderness unlike anywhere else on Earth. They are home to endangered species and cultural artifacts sacred to Native Americans. The lands contained in Bears Ears and Grand Staircase should be preserved for all Americans now and forever. Pleas don't remove the protection they deserve.

Sincerely,

Christian Hanks
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102521
59
DOI-2017-0002-1025445/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

I am writing to add my input concerning Bears Ears National Monument.

Today I was in Zion National Park, where I guided two couples from Philadelphia. They are on their first ever trip to the Southwest and are having experiences of a lifetime, including being among the remarkable Navajo sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, cultural history, and rich wildlife of Zion. As a Utah resident, I feel incredibly blessed to be in a state that supports a thriving tourist industry, allowing me to have a viable livelihood. Zion National Park, of course, was initially created as a national monument. Without that foresight, I can't even begin to imagine the loss to current and future generations of Utahans and visitors.

I think, if you were to ask Utah residents what they would like to see for the future of this great state, at least one in two would favor the current Bears Ears National Monument. The bottom line is this: what provides the greatest benefit for the greatest number of Americans? I would argue that this national monument, as currently defined, will add immensely to the state's and nation's cultural, economic, and natural heritage. Local and state decision makers are attached to traditional consumptive land uses. In unique places like Bears Ears, emphasis on these uses is not practical or sustainable given a new understanding of the value of public lands and the related new economy. I urge you to carefully consider what will be permanently lost by altering the Bears Ears National Monument.

Sincerely,

Kristine Crandall
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102544
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DOI-2017-0002-1025745/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,
Please keep Bears Ears National Monument intact. As a resident of Utah, I ask that you keep this a monument. For the last 10 years I have been a resident of Park City, and on holiday have enjoyed my time visiting monuments throughout Utah with my National Park PAss! I stay in hotels and visit restaurants and grocery stores around the surrounding area! I truly believe that the protection of These sacred places and the support to the local community will find consistency with the fiscal benefits of tourism and the preservation of the ecosystem, thru resources for the communities that surrounding Bears Ears! Please on behalf of Utah residents keep this monument intact!
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1027595/26/2017I spent this last weekend backpacking deep into a canyon of The Bears Ears National Monument. I live in Utah, born and raised, and I spend every free weekend in The Bears Ears.
I want nothing more than for this land to stay protected and for the monument to remain unchanged.

Please listen to the people. San Juan county and our Utah delegation do NOT speak for all Utahns... in fact, they dont speak for me at all.

I have attended every meeting and town hall regarding the issue and the misinformation is troubling. I hope you do whats right, and you keep this land protected.

PLEASE KEEP THE BEARS EARS PROTECTED. Preserve the land for my grandchildren.

I am attaching pictures of the landscape that I have personally taken, because you cant see this beauty from a helicopter.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1028105/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

As a resident of Utah, I feel it is important to take into consideration the impacts of the Bears Ears National Monument on the local population, but it can not be forgotten that these are lands of the United States and therefore belong to everyone in the nation. Furthermore, the land in Bears Ears is unique to the world in natural environment, historical, and scientific aspects. While many of the Utah elected officials have expressed concern over the monument's designation, it should be considered that they also may not fully understand the uniqueness of the Monument.

In your review, I would like you to consider the following:

1. Some have stated that the Bears Ears Monument has locked up large portions of San Juan County and undermines the local economy. I don't find this to be true. The largest oil driller, Resolute Natural Resources, operates in the Aneth Oil Field which is well outside of the boundaries of the Monument, so the Monument should not have an impact on its operations. The Daneros uranium mine was located within the original proposed boundaries, but it was left out of the final designation. Also, Lime Ridge and Raplee Anticline, both historically oil drilling locations, were left out of the final designation. Even on Cedar Mesa, a few drilling permits were already granted. The Monument would not take those away. Finally, grazing will not be affected by the Monument. In fact, the Monument still allows for more grazing permits.
So no jobs will lost, and the the local economy will not be harmed. In fact, the Monument will probably boost the local economy due to an increase in tourism, which will actually help diversify the San Juan economy and make it more sustainable. Not only does all of this show evidence that the Monument does not significantly deter the local economy, it also shows that their was serious consideration in ensuring the Monument was designated with the smallest area necessary.

2. This was not a land grab, as many Utah officials have declared. This land was already owned by the United States, as you know. School and Institutional Trust Lands can still earn money as before, or the federal government can trade land with the State, as they did with Grand Staircase, to earn even more money for schools. To my knowledge, no private land was seized or taken over with the Monument designation.

3. The Monument encompasses a landscape with physical remnants of over 12,000 years of human occupation. That's 12,000 YEARS. From the Clovis camp, to thousands of Puebloan sites, to the Hole in the Rock Trail, (not to mention the vast paleontological resources), this cultural landscape is unique to the United States. In this regard, the current Monument boundaries may actually be too small since many other significant sites were left out of the final designation. Further diminishment would actually leave very important antiquities out of the boundaries.

Finally, as a fellow citizen who enjoys the outdoors much like you, I want to ensure that our children, grand children, and great grand children can explore wild and unique places, still undeveloped by modern man. These types of places are part of the spirit and soul of America, and they are becoming fewer and harder to find. Please find a way to keep these areas preserved for future generations.

Thank you for your service.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1028175/26/2017I value and frequently visit Utah's one of a kind landmarks. It's one of the reasons I choose to live in Utah. I absolutely want Bear's Ears to be protected! It makes sense to include and protect that area.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102817
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DOI-2017-0002-1028335/26/2017To the Secretary of the Interior,

I am writing in support of preserving the Bears Ears National Monument as it has been originally designated by President Obama. I have lived in Utah for 12 years in which time my family has visited the Bears Ears region of San Juan County on numerous occasions. We go there for recreation, camping, hiking, and appreciation of the human cultures who have made that area home for millennia. The cultural and archeological artifacts are a national treasure, but are also part of a continuing living culture of people living in the region.

In the trips I've taken down there, it is clear that some of the ruins and other artifacts are under threat from a lack of proper stewardship and need more resources for protection. For instance, on one trip I had the pleasure to visiting the 16-house ruin. This building had been in existence for 600-900 years; but to compare the ruin as I saw it in 2015, with the pictures from fifty years prior is to picture accelerated decay as significant numbers of the walls sledgehammered down from years of improper management.

The local tribes in the area make up nearly 50% of the population in San Juan County currently [1] and they have spoken clearly and worked tirelessly to draft a management plan for the Monument that ensures these areas and their artifacts can be better protected. It also ensures that their living cultural practices can thrive into the future. I am not a member of any tribe, but as a fellow Utahn and fellow U.S. citizen, I feel it is important to honor these these tribes' earnest wishes.

Utah residents broadly and overwhelmingly support protection of the Bears Ears area [2]. This reflects their thinking about the value of the place independent of the temporary political milieu that often colors peoples' perceptions. Naturally, partisan politics are commonly a factor in how survey respondents form their opinions. If respondents are prompted to view the monument as designated by a Democrat president, or discuss it in the context of the federal government's influence, the responses diverge [3]. To me, this speaks to entrenched political beliefs in Utah that must be assessed critically. The question we should ask is whether the place has timeless worth, independent of near-term political factors. The Bears Ears most certainly has timeless and immeasurable worth. On this basis alone things must be measured.

The Department of the Interior must weigh the intrinsic cultural and historical value of the Bears Ears with the economic value of its mineral resources, namely coal and uranium. The current federal designation of Bears Ears wisely left out the key identified Uranium deposit in San Juan County. It would be hard to argue that the Monument, as it exists currently, has not already balanced the antiquities and mineral values present in the area. Moreover, the extant coal deposits are of dubious value. With the recent advent of centuries worth of cheap, and much cleaner natural gas reserves, coal's value will continue to drop with every coal plant closing [5].

Mineral resources are not the only economic opportunities in San Juan County. The largest growing sector of San Juan County's economy is by far tourism [6]. Tourism, unlike mineral extraction, can work synergistically with the Bears Ears National Monument and can provide a sustainable and growing source of employment and economic growth for the region. Moreover, reduction or rescinding of the monument will surely deal a significant economic blow to tourism revenue there. Therefore, from an economic perspective, the preservation of the current monument is the clear economic winner.

Thank You,

William H. Nesse

References:

[1] https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/PST045215/49037,00

[2] http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/analysis/2016/08/11/new-poll-utahans-support-protections-for-bears-ears-area

[3] http://www.sltrib.com/home/4840590-155/poll-utahns-divided-over-bears-ears

[4] http://www.denverpost.com/2017/04/06/bears-ears-monument-boundaries-uranium-fossils/

[5] https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=28832

[6] http://www.sjrnews.com/view/full_story/27173663/article-Travel-and-tourism-sector-sees-significant-growth?instance=home_news_left
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1028695/26/2017Please do NOT rescind Bears Ears National Monument. I have lived in Utah my entire life, 50+ years, and how we protect our precious land is very important to me. Our National Parks and Monuments of Utah are a lasting example to the rest of the nation of how we can all use and enjoy our beautiful, unique landscape. Save Bears Ears, Protect Wild Utah and continue on to protect and preserve our planet. We have only one home.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102869
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DOI-2017-0002-1028915/26/2017I am 100% in support of the permanent designation of the Bears Ears National Monument and of its continued protection. I live in Utah and have been privileged to spend time in this special place in its currently unspoiled condition. Everyone in the United States deserves to have the same opportunity, without being subjected to impacts of oil and gas development, road expansion, and other harmful land uses. And despite efforts by the Utah congressional delegation to obscure the issue, the Tribes in this and neighboring states strongly support this designation as a means of protecting areas of religious and historical importance to their people.
In addition to these intangible reasons for the National Monument designation, the state of Utah collects millions of dollars in tax revenue from recreational uses of these and other similar lands. The recreation industry employs far more people than extractive industries over a much longer period of time. The Monument designation will protect these uses and these jobs, as well as the lands that attract so many visitors.
I am also 100% opposed to the removal of National Monument designation from any of the unique and fragile areas on the list. I was privileged to witness this year's Superbloom at the Carrizo Plain in central California and my enjoyment of that natural wonder, as well as the enjoyment of the thousands of other citizens that have visited this year, was greatly enhanced by the availability of facilities and personnel at the Monument to assist and educate. But like the other National Monuments on the list, it is obviously a low-budget operation that cannot possibly be a significant drain on the Federal budget.
The National Monuments don't cost the taxpayers very much but they are invaluable to the American people by protecting for the future some of the most unique, beautiful, and fragile wonders of this country. It is unconscionable to remove the protection of these eternal values for the sake of facilitating short-term profits for extractive industries and private interests.
I STRONGLY urge you to leave the National Monuments as they are - a legacy for the future of some of the best of America.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1029305/26/2017I am a life long Utahn (64 years). I wish to express my complete acceptance of the Bears-Ears Monument designation. The action taken by former Pres Obama was done so after Utah residents and Congressional representatives failed to resolve action to protect the Bears-Ears area. It was not a land grab as many politicians claim. The Obama administration gave Congress and Utah's representatives plenty of time to resolve the matter of protecting this area. I am strenuously opposed to reversing the Bears-Ears designation and encourage Sec. Zinke to leave the monument designation as is. Reversing or modifying the designation will surely lead to expensive lawsuits and the designation will be affirmed. LET BEARS-EARS MONUMENT stand!!TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1029765/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

I am a longtime resident of Utah and citizen of the U.S. and I work in the healthcare industry. I have visited and camped in the parts of Manti-La Sal National Forest that have now been included in Bears Ears National Monument. I also visited and hiked through other various parts of the Bears Ears region. Preserving public lands for future generations is a fundamental necessity to any society and hallmark of a developed one. Public lands are intrinsically valuable to our physical and mental health and the health of our environment. They are our connection to the human spirit.They are iconic of our nation and also attract tourists from around the world. Foreigners can see the beauty and worth of our natural wonders but why can't our politicians? The Public Lands Initiative proposed by Utah representatives such as Rob Bishop was a robbery of public lands to belong to everyone of this nation. I, along with thousands upon thousands of other citizens called upon the former Secretary Jewel and after much protesting, pleading, letters, calls, gatherings, volunteering, and efforts we got the Federal Government's attention. President Obama responded to our calls and came up with a very fair compromise and protected land that was already national public lands. I have faith that you, Secretary Zinke and your staff and our new president can recognize the importance of continuing to protect the Bears Ears region. Our local Utah representatives are out for themselves and looking for shortsighted benefits that will only help a few and will cause damage to land that belongs to everyone in this nation, damage that can never be restored. Furthermore, there is history to these lands for the tribes and it would be unethical to leave them unprotected or to desecrate the lands with development as some Utah politicians intend to do.
Please think of the potential legacy and power you hold with your position and how it pertains to Bears Ears, the public today, and future generations.

Kind regards,

Natalie Brooks

p.s.

Bears Ears National Monument is a national treasure that belongs to all Americans and honors Tribes. I stand with the historic coalition of sovereign tribal nations in asking you to respect the Bears Ears National Monument boundary and leave this historic designation fully in tact.

The public outreach process leading to designation of Bears Ears National Monument was fully adequate. The Bears Ears National Monument designation was based on rigorous cultural mapping, dozens of community meetings, years of dialogue with county, state, and congressional leaders, and a day-long public listening session in San Juan County hosted by federal officials. Coordination with tribal, state, and local governments and other stakeholders was extensive and ongoing.

Bears Ears National Monument entirely fulfills the requirements and objectives of the Antiquities Act. The Bears Ears living cultural landscape is exactly the type of area that the Antiquities Act was enacted to protect, and protection of these cultural resources is essential to Tribes.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102976
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DOI-2017-0002-1029935/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I have lived in Utah for roughly 6 years, moving here from Florida. I moved here mostly after seeing pictures of the wild Utah desert, specifically of Indian Creek in the Bears Ears area. Being able to explore the desert is what keeps me in Utah (I live in SLC), contributing to the overall Utah economy as well as businesses in remote areas almost every weekend.

There is significant economic benefit to keeping the Monument for the State in tourism dollars, with my story being an example. Shrinking or reversal of the Monument would seem to be squandering a thriving revenue stream (eco-tourism and the Outdoor Insdustry).
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-102993
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DOI-2017-0002-1030125/26/2017Dear Department of the Interior,
Regarding the Bears Ears National Monument: I fully support keeping the Monument designation, and object whole-heartedly to rescinding, down-sizing or degrading the quality of ANY of our national monuments.

The Bears Ears National Monument is an area familiar to me, and it is near and dear to me, as well as to most Utah residents. The process to identify and proclaim this monument was lengthy and involved bringing numerous parties to the table. The lands involved were actually federal lands before being designated as a monument. This is NOT a land-grab, but a re-naming and protection of vast cultural treasures, as well as scenic and natural resources.

When Secretary Zinke visited our fair state, he was careful to listen to only a narrow point of view, determined by those who wish to take PUBLIC LANDS away from us, the public. Please tell Mr. Zinke that this review of our national monuments is uncalled for, inappropriate, and against all precedent. It seems very politically motivated and aimed at supporting wealthy private interests over those of the PEOPLE. Ignoring those who support the monument does not make them disappear.

The national parks and monuments of Utah and all other states do more to improve the local economy than many other industries, especially when you consider the "boom and bust" economic cycles which the Western states have historically endured in regard to extractive industries. Other benefits pertain to the significance of maintaining clean air and water, rather than allowing polluters free reign. Tourism does not thrive on an abused environment or locked up lands.

I support the Bears Ears National Monument and the twenty seven national monuments being reviewed. I do not think they should be rescinded or down-sized. The process for determining national monument status has been effective and appropriate for the last 100 years. Remember, once our public lands are sold off to the wealthy and to corporate interests, we NEVER get them back. Please keep our heritage for future generations of Americans.

Sincerely,
Debra Marin
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1030445/26/2017I am a Utah resident. My family loves Utah's national parks and monuments. They are vital to our economy and to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Please keep Bears Ears and other destinations around the country as they are. We need to be forward thinking. We need to protect this land for future generations. This is a designation that respects our Native American brothers and sisters. We need to honor their heritage. The vast majority of Utah residents support Bears Ears. This land needs to be protected by the federal government. Our state leaders have not stepped up to the challenge, They are beholden to corporate interests. President Obama did the right thing--carefully taking into account the voices of all interested parties.TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1031565/26/2017I live in Utah and am in awe every day at the natural beauty of this state. Keeping our national parks protected is essential as custodians of this country and state. Most importantly, we must respect the 30 Native American tribes who have, for centuries, been such custodians. They have come together to implore us to keep the protection as a national monument in place for Bear's Ears, so that it can remain pristine for all to enjoy in its breathtaking beauty. Please keep Bear's Ears and the amazing Grand Staircase designated as national monuments. It is the right and respectful thing to do.

Thank you!
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1031965/26/2017Secretary Zinke, As a Utah resident, I am opposed to the arbitrary and abusive use of the Antiquities Act to designate enormous expanses of public land for the purpose of adding to the "legacy" that a president wants to leave in the last minutes of their term. Utah, and many other Western states have served as trophy cases for outgoing president in an effort for more votes from environmentally extreme groups. I was born in San Juan County where the Bears Ears designation was made. I come from humble circumstances, and was taught by my parents to respect my surroundings and in turn it would take care of me. Like yourself, I am a hunter and for many years growing up my family only made it through the year relying on the game that this land provided. Many of my youngest memories involve my families efforts throughout the summer months to gather wood, then rely on it to keep our home warm through the winter. Some of my fondest memories with my family include the many trips into the forests of the Bears Ears area where I became addicted to the sights, sounds and smells of the fall season when experiencing elk herds is at their high point. Then again in the spring time when hunting for antler sheds was a boyhood treasure hunt. I mention these things to highlight that my opposition to this monument is not because I do not appreciate the preservation of this amazing landscape. My opposition comes from the clear evidence from other National Parks and Monuments in this area that these designations are not about preservation. No, these designations have clearly been to remove input from local stakeholders on how the land can be used, responsibly, by everyone both presently and in the future. Further, these designations have created an impact counter to purpose. National Park and Monument designations now act as huge neon open signs attracting millions to an area, causing the frequency of vandalism and harmful activities by the casual tourists to increase significantly. The impact of this increase puts the burden squarely on the local communities. My father has worked on the County road system of this area nearly all my life. The cost associated to maintain some of the most basic dirt roads in this area was substantial before, the increased traffic will surely be more than the already stretched operations can possibly hope to maintain. My family has, for many years, maintained a small alfalfa farm in this area and it is also no secret among the locals that drought conditions are frequent and water usage is a very delicate balance. Where will additional water come from to accommodate the yearly increases to travelers to this area? Likewise, where will all of the waste created end up? There is already a problem in neighboring Moab with the human waste being more than treatment plants can handle and subsequently that waste is making it's way into the river.
I have previously been a wild land fire fighter with the USFS assigned to the Bears Ears area (Manti-LaSal south zone) and I have seen first hand the problems caused when our forests are not properly maintained. The responsible stewardship of the local cattlemen has served us well in keeping hazardous wild fire fuels in check. Further, I've seen the need for responsible lumber work in areas to reduce old tree growth, dead and downed trees and to create space for newer growth.
Growing up in this area here also given me an appreciation for the cultural significance of the area. My opposition to this monument has often been characterized as "racist" as many claim that this review is an attack on Native American heritage and sovereignty. I hope that your visit to this area and meeting the Native Americans who's heritage is tied directly to this area has shown you that they too oppose this designation. We have all seen the ever increasing restrictions that are placed on these areas, regardless of the language originally used in the designation, which always has an impact on those who rely on the land for their daily needs. We are not opposed to having culturally significant sites protected and preserved, in fact we wish that the proper resources would have been provided for their protection years ago. However, as I stated before hanging an open sign for the world to see does not increase protection, it increases the risk.
Finally, I feel that the size and extremely vague scope of this designation is a clear abuse of executive power and I am sure that your review will also show that Mr. Obama was outside of the authority of the Antiquities Act as it is evidently much larger than the smallest needed area for the protection of sites of significance interest.
Mr. Zinke, please see through the cloud of misinformation of the wealthy and extreme environmental elite. Please listen to those who have cared for and continue to rely on this area for survival. Please, reduce or rescind this egregious abuse for the good of the land and people! Thank you.
TRUENegative
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DOI-2017-0002-1032435/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke: Our Nation's public lands represent some of our greatest assets. Please do not rescind Bears Ears or Grand Staircase National Monuments, or any other national monument. As a Utah resident, born and raised, I am telling you that I value these monuments and want to see these lands protected and preserved. I will primarily address Bears Ears, but I support all the national monument designations. My points are these:
i.Bears Ears represents an important cultural resource. The fact that multiple tribes requested this land be protected is one of the best arguments one could make for this monument (San Juan County Commissioner Rebecca Benally's opinion should not outweigh the majority of tribal people.)
ii.The current border of Bears Ears is not radically different from what Mike Lee and the Public Lands Initiative proposed. He agreed at one time that this land should be protected and this was what the approximate acreage should be - that should not change just because we have a different president.
iii.Ideally federal and state partners should work together on designations, but that didn't happen here. I don't believe that Bears Ears and the other monuments should be undone as a consequence.
iv.The future of Utah's economy lies in outdoor recreation. Outdoor recreation and tourism have huge direct and indirect economic benefits. I worry that is not properly being accounted for.
v.As a Utahn, I believe this land should stay in federal hands. I do not trust our state to properly manage and care for these lands. Word has gotten out about Bears Ears - people are coming regardless, and we need to properly protect and manage this land before it is destroyed.
vi.We owe it to future generations to preserve and protect this land so that they may enjoy it and experience it as I have. We should "...preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values" of this nation "... for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations."
vii.Putting aside all logic and speaking from the heart: these wild and beautiful lands have an inherent value apart from the value we place on them - they deserve to be protected.
Once again, please do not undo these monuments. Thank you for your consideration.
Betsy Byrne
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1032825/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

Thank You to the U.S. Department of the Interior for the opportunity to comment on its review of certain National Monuments designated or expanded since 1996 under the American Antiquities Act of 1906, to implement Executive Order 13792 of April 26, 2017.

I am a citizen of the US and a resident of Utah for all of my life and I am a registered voter for over 46 years.

I have visited the Bears Ears area over 20 years ago and camped with my family pulling our trailer into the area with my 4 wheel drive Vehicle. My Kids will always remember that beautiful area and what we could see. The improved dirt roads were well maintained in excellent condition.

I support the review process as a way to determine whether some monument designations included more land than necessary as defined by the Act. I also believe presidents should solicit input from the public before making such designations, even though the law does not require it.

Such designations can restrict or eliminate opportunities for responsible off-highway motorized recreation on public lands and negatively affect the economies of the communities surrounding the monuments.

The Antiquities Act grants the president authority to designate national monuments to protect "historic and prehistoric structures and other objects of historic or scientific interest" that are on federal lands. The law limits the size of the designations to "the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected"

With this in mind, why was Bears Ears designated at the enormous size of over 1.3 million acres of land?

Previous administrations have used the broadly defined stipulations of the Antiquities Act to create monument designations. Unfortunately, these broad designations have closed larger-than-necessary territories that were previously used for wholesome recreation, such as responsible motorized recreation that supports small business and local economies.

The designation of National Monuments on public lands may reduce or end access for responsible motorized recreation. Designations can be made that will benefit all groups, as long as these groups are given the opportunity to contribute their perspectives.

The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has closed half of the existing routes open to motorized recreation. The federal land managers even prohibited off-highway vehicles from riding the graded, gravel roads. Fortunately the affected county asserted its jurisdiction over those roads, but not before having to fight the federal land managers in court.

The new Bears Ears National Monument has many 4 wheel drive roads, and ATV trails where responsible users have used these roads with respect. If history is any guide, these routes will eventually be closed due to the national monument status, despite the fact that the users have respectively driven on them.

These designations did not consider the multiple-use policy of section 102(a)(7) of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (43 U.S.C. 1701(1)(7)).

I support the existing land use agreements before Bears ears was designated a National Monument.

I support the protection of our national treasures by using a process that involves voter approval, local stakeholders, state officials, governors and Congress.
TRUENegative
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DOI-2017-0002-1032875/26/2017I live in Utah and support protecting Bears Ears and Grand Staircase. Please don't change them.TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1033375/26/2017As a resident of Utah, I highly value Bears Ears National Monument and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Please keep these pristine areas protected for future generations. Keep our National Monuments intact.TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-103337
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DOI-2017-0002-1033925/26/2017In regards to Bears Ears National Monument:

Being a Utah resident, I am utterly opposed to rescinding Bears Ears National Monument. The monument designation is crucial to protecting its unique ecology, including 18 federally protected species and their natural habitat. I am appalled that rescission is an option in a time where preservation and conservation should and must be of utmost importance, for reasons that are earth shatteringly obvious. In addition, five native American tribes are directly affected by the fate of Bears Ears, and their voices, which clearly call for protection, should be respected.

I urge you to not rescind the monument status of Bears Ears.
TRUEPositive
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-103392
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DOI-2017-0002-1034025/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

As a resident of Utah and a frequent visitor of National Parks I ask that you keep Bears Ears a national monument.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1034155/26/2017I have live in San Juan County for over 50 years. I am asking President Trump to rescind the Bears Ears National Monument. Laws were already in place before the designation to protect the area against anything that would damage the area. The monument will do more damage then it will do good. Naming the monument attracted people to the area but provided no extra protection for sensitive sites. The artifacts will not be protected through this monument designation. Please President Trump, rescind the Bears Ears Monument.TRUENegative
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=DOI-2017-0002-103415
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DOI-2017-0002-1034165/26/2017May 25, 2017

Dear Decision Makers,

I write in support of preserving the designation of the Bears Ears Monument as made by President Obama in 2016.

This is an area sacred to 5 native tribes. The area contains numerous cliff dwellings, remains of villages and rock art panels that need protection. I can tell you that as a Utah resident these kinds of remnants get looted and destroyed without proper protection.

This area is critical habitat for wildlife. We need this contiguous area to be protected in it's entirety to maintain proper habitat for a number of birds, plants and mammals. Having large areas completely protected maintains the health of these species that smaller "patches" of protection cannot.

This is the scenic, beautiful, wild country that I fully support my tax dollars and government energies protect for the future. I am opposed to allowing further extraction from these lands for energy or other purposes when we live in a time when there is excellent technology through renewable resources. I oppose the opinions of Governor Herbert and Congressman Bishop that ask for the overturning of the monument. They have done their best to portray this monument as being against the will of Utah residents and I disagree. Utah residents, especially me, want this monument to remain as currently designated.

I ask you to preserve this monument in its current size, range and location. I look forward to you taking action to protect this land by the will of the many many people.

Sincerely,

amelia jones
ogden, ut 84401
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1034345/26/2017I support Bears Ears, and as a resident of Utah, I want the monument to remain in its current size and status.TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1034635/26/2017Below are my comments on Bears Ears National Monument in response to President Trump's Executive Order to review the size and scope of 20+ national monuments created since 1996.

I am a Utah resident and voter. I urge you NOT to change the Bears Ears National Monument.

Bears Ears National Monument clearly meets the requirements for a national monument.

- It preserves a culturally and naturally rich place for the benefit and enjoyment of all Americans. It has ruins, petroglyphs, pictographs, artifacts, and vistas unmatched anywhere else in the world. This priceless archaeological and natural area is well worth preserving for 323,000,000+ Americans.

- The archeological sites (known and unknown), petroglyphs, pictographs, and fossils in the area encompassed by Bears Ears National Monument is threated by "grave-robbing", graffiti, and destruction by off-road traffic. In October 2016, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named the Bear Ears monument area as one of the most endangered historical sites in America due to a combination of scant BLM staffing and misuse by visitors.

- Local concerns were considered. On July 16, 2016, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, along with other federal officials, visited Utah to hold a hearing about the future of
the area that would become Bears Ears National Monument. The trip ended with a public hearing in Bluff, San Juan County, Utah. San Juan County has about 15,000+ inhabitants, many of whom strongly support the designation of Bears Ears National Monument. In 2016, a State of the Rockies Conservation in the West poll showed that 66% of Utah voters support national monument designation for Bears Ears. In July 2016, 55% of those polled by the Benenson Strategy Group supported national monument designation for Bears Ears.
In addition, it is strongly supported by a coalition of 5 Native American tribes.

- The Bears Ears National Monument is necessary for the future growth of Utah as a premiere tourist destination. Utah now has 142,500+ tourism related jobs (and growing), compared to 1,400+ coal mining jobs (and shrinking).

- Bears Ears and other national monuments under review were developed under existing rules. It is unfair to the all the people who worked so hard to preserve these lands to reverse any national monument designation.

Please don't change the Bears Ears National Monument.

Thank you.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1034645/26/2017I live in Utah and use public land to find peace and quiet. The recreation value of these land in worth so much more then the development by oil and gas companies. There are also plenty of cow already wandering the land. Please preserve the Bear Ears and Grand Staircase Monuments
The desert is fragile and the sites of pass Uranium mines still can be seen in the Moab area some 60 years later.
Mark Klingbail
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1034915/26/2017As a resident of Utah and the Mountain West, and an environmental scientist with 15 years of experience in land management issues, I urge restraint in the push to rescind, resize, or otherwise alter our national monuments. Doing so would set a dangerous precedent and open the door to the practice of making fickle changes to our monuments based on the prevailing political winds of the time. It WILL have unintended consequences, even to the resource extraction industries.

With respect to Bears Ears, the monument that was designated was very similar in scope and extent as the one that was put forth by the Utah delegation during Bishop and Chaffetz's Public Land Initiative effort, which received input from various stakeholder groups. I urge you not to dramatically alter the scope, extent, or protections on this monument, and if changes are made, that input from ALL stakeholders be taken. Not just those involved in resource extraction.

Thank you for considering these comments
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1035055/26/2017Please retain monuments in their current size, form and scope. Our monuments were never intended to be reduced/deleted as administrations change. To do so would result in chaos. I am a southeastern Utah resident who supports the Grand Staircase Escalante and Bears Ears monuments as they stand today. Our beautiful San Rafael Swell area was once considered for National Park status but was never designated as such to keep the natural resources available for development. Today the towns nearest the Swell are tiny and poor. Green River, Utah, on the east side looks almost like a ghost town. Moab, Utah, near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, has thrived. The members of the Escalante Chamber of Commerce next to Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument voted 49-0 to keep the monument as it is. Tourism is a steady industry compared to our volatile southeastern Utah energy industries. Don't mess with a good thing.Mark Wickman, Helper, Utah.TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1035575/26/2017I fully support Bear s Ears National Monument and do not want to see it reduced in size. It has already been reduced 550,000 acres from what the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Proposal and is close to the Public Lands Initiative proposed by our state legislators. The purpose of the Antiques Act, used by 16 Presidents since 1906 by both parties. is to safeguard our National treasures. There are over 100,000 Native American Cultural sites here. Five tribes started working on this 6 years ago. I don't believe 5 tribes have ever agreed on anything before. This land belongs to all American people including Native Americans. It should not be given to the State Politicians so they can sell it to campaign donors for fossil fuel development.

This land needs to be protected not destroyed for coal, oil and gas. Tourism is the biggest industry in the state. Kanab, Escalante, Boulder etc are all thriving towns since the Escalante/Grand Staircase Monument was formed 1n 1996. There are more jobs and new construction. These towns are all pleasant small towns. Contrast them to Vernal which has grown but is so polluted from the oil and gas wells that the rate of still born babies has skyrocketed along with the cancer rates. The majority of Utahans support this monument. 64% support it while only 34% are strongly or maybe opposed. Mr.Zinke did not talk to the majority. He spent all his time with the few people who oppose it. One Native leader out of 6 is not a majority. Our representatives do not care what their constituents want. They only care how much money their campaigns will get. The same is true for Mr. Zinke who was only impressed by a coal seam. Even Robert Murray has admitted coal is a dying industry.

This was never state land. The Spaniards took it from the natives and gave it to the federal government. For Utah to become a state the land was required to stay federal land. It is not a land grab. It belongs to all of us not a few politicians. Utah also does not have the resources to manage it. There is no way we could even pay for fire control.

Please do what is right for all people involved and do not give this gorgeous land to the highest bidder. This process has been going on for 6 years. It was not a quick fix by Mr. Obama. He had to step in because our state politicians would not cooperate. I have been a resident of Utah for 33 years and have been to many places in the Monument. It is an incredible treasure that needs to be preserved. If it is destroyed for fossil fuel extraction it will never recover and will be lost forever. That would be such a short sighted loss caused by personal greed of only a few. Theodore Roosevelt is rolling over in his grave I am sure.

Thank you
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1035775/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,
As a 43 year resident of Utah, I think I am a "local". PLEASE DO NOT SHRINK OR ALTER THE BEAR'S EARS MONUMENT, nor any others.
The Utah congressional delegation do not represent the average citizen of Utah; they represent the extractive industries and land developers. Most of their funding comes from outside of Utah.
Utah's "mighty 5" National Parks were universally objected to when they were first announced, and now Utah's delegation touts them happily, but does not want to protect any more of our public lands, due to fears of being unable to sell them off or develop them.
The Bears Ears Monument was developed with the input of 5 tribes plus many interested parties, and the wishes of Utah's congressional delegation were also considered. This is evident in the final boundary designation, which was smaller than what the tribes wanted, and virtually identical to what Rob Bishop proposed in his failed legislation.

Please honor the hard, collaborative work of many honest people, and do not shrink or rescind any of our declared national Monuments
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1035885/26/2017Dear Secretary Zinke,

As a lifelong Utah resident, I would like to express my overwhelming support for both Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. These beautiful lands deserve all the protection we can give them. They are unique in all the world.
National Monuments are good for the economy in these rural areas. The local politicians who took you on your tour of these areas seem to have a short range view and are just out to make some quick money from those who would like to exploit these lands. It seems that they avoided having you visit the towns of Boulder and Escalante on your tour. We have been regular visitors to this part of the state for decades and we can see the economic growth that is happening in these towns since the creation of the Grand Staircase Escalante Monument. They used to be virtual ghost towns where you were lucky if the one gas station had a bag of ice for campers. Now they are thriving and growing. The local residents are making more from tourism than they ever could ranching. This will be the same for the residents of San Juan county as Bears Ears gains in popularity..
The local politicians also claim that the residents of San Juan county are against the creation of Bears Ears. The problem is, we need to consider the fact that these are PUBLIC lands and are owed by ALL Americans equally. There are only about 10,000 residents in the entire county, some of whom actually support the monument's creation. A recent poll found that over half of Utahns support Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. That is about 1.5 million people. Most of these people will likely support Bears Ears as well. Please let their interests be considered as much as the few thousand who just want to keep these beautiful lands to themselves and exploit them for personal gain. The Native Americans whose ancestral lands these monuments are protecting also support the Bears Ears National Monument. I ask you to consider how you would feel if some company wanted to come and drill for oil in your ancestor's graveyard. You would be outraged. Please help them protect these lands as much as possible. They actually proposed that more land be protected than was included in the monument.
The current political climate seems to be pushing for local control over federal, but I firmly believe that these lands will be better protected as National Monuments. As an example, I would like to share a story of a local who grew up in the Grand Staircase area. As we were taking a guided horseback ride, he shared the story of how his son took a mummified Native American baby from a gravesite he discovered while hiking one day. It sounded like he felt it was no big deal and something everyone would have done. This seems to be a typical attitude of many of the locals. They remove pottery and arrowheads all the time. This practice needs to be stopped and the locals don't seem to see the need to change hundreds of years of tradition. These Native American sites need protection from outside sources, like the National Park Service.
The extraordinary beauty of these lands can not be underestimated. If damaged, they will not recover in our lifetime or your children's lifetime. As you make your recommendations, please try to distance yourself from politics and think about what is best for the future of the land. Please don't just consider the next five five years, but consider the next five hundred years. Uphold the designation of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monuments. They are irreplaceable treasures.

Thank you,
Shannon Hanks
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DOI-2017-0002-1035955/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I live in Utah and do not wish to see the Bears Ears National Monument repealed. The local community will benefit from the monument remaining designated, and this amazing land will receive the protections from resource exploitation and looting that it deserves. Furthermore, the monument is being managed by an intertribal coalition, the first of its kind to work with the BLM to include the interests of the tribes when making management decisions. This land should remain designated a monument because of the continuing cultural significance to the tribes of this area and because of its outstanding beauty and inherent value of its wildness to all people of the United States. Thank you,

A concerned citizen of Utah
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1036215/26/2017I am a native of the intermountain west, and I have lived in Utah for the past 17 years, which is now half of my lifetime. I love the outdoors and wild spaces. I worked for several summers as a river guide in the red rock country of southeastern Utah, and I enjoy returning regularly to revisit favorite trails, streams, and views, and to get to know new terrain. I'm currently getting ready to leave on a trip taking my young children backpacking in the Bears Ears area. I urge Secretary Zinke and the Department of the Interior to recommend no changes to the current status of national monuments. I love these lands and associated resources and hope to preserve them for generations.

Public lands and national monuments can be economic boons. For example, outdoor recreation is an $887 billion industry that employs millions. The economic potential for Utah and for local communities far outstrips the resource extraction interests in these areas. Rural communities need to diversify their economies, and outdoor recreation and land management is a much more sustainable route than resource extraction. Land and resource management jobs are more stable, higher paying, and have the potential to help locals stay local. Moab, for example, is a thriving town where the economy centers around the outdoor industry. Moab has grown in the past ten years and has stability and amenities for its residents that towns focused on extractive industries cannot boast. Other towns in the intermountain west that have depended heavily on extractive industries and have turned into ghost towns when those interests have dried up.

Studies from Utah State University have shown that past monument designations is Utah did not have significant economic impact on affected counties- they continued to grow at the same pace. In some cases, communities grew further.

Regarding arguments that these lands are needed for mining and grazing, my understanding is that there are no leases on these lands for oil and gas, which is why the monument could be created. Furthermore, extractive industries will only diminish with time. The coal resource is exhaustible and related jobs are not sustainable. Nor are they healthy or desirable jobs. The demand for grazing is limited and will not significantly increase. Furthermore, grazing is permitted to continue on the monuments as a traditional activity. I see no conflict there. However, I do see conflict in the interests of investors and foreigners in the potash industry. It troubles me that these very outside parties may be exerting pressure to keep these lands open for extraction of potash.

Regarding arguments that neither locals nor the Utah congressional delegation were involved in the Bears Ears or Grand Staircase-Escalante designations, local tribes have been at the heart of the impetus for the Bears Ears Monument. And truly these tribes have the greatest interest in the designation and disposition of these lands. The previous administration determined there was compelling need and interest from the tribes to make this designation. Our congressional delegation was unable over 7+ years to engage and enact protection for these lands. After trying and failing to get something to work with congress, the tribes went through the executive branch. Years ago, when Grand Staircase-Escalante was to be designated, the Department of Interior had contact with the locals at the time and the Utah congressional delegation at the time was aware of the monument for a month and reviewed the language of the document.

One of the key roles of government is to protect the environment- who else will if not our collective representatives? These resources are most valuable when available to all- even for years to come. Please retain the monument status. I hope that my posterity can enjoy these resources in the same way or even more fully than I have been able to.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1036415/26/2017Being a Utah resident, I feel compelled to comment on the review of both Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante.

First, Grand Staircase-Escalante: I moved to Utah in 2009 and was immediately drawn to the southern redrock. I had visited the National Parks before I moved here, as those are broadly known. Upon moving here, I wanted to visit the larger, less developed public landscapes to see the real wilderness. Grand Staircase-Escalante was the first place I visited, simply to explore it vast expanse according to my own schedule. While the national parks are excellent, they are well marked and give the feeling of a curated museum. The Grand Staircase-Escalante area felt truly wild and far surpassing my other experiences in the United States. More importantly, there are few places in the world that are as untouched, so being a Utah resident I am privileged to have this area that is so unlike the rest of the world.

I was largely unaware of Bear's Ears before its announcement as a new National Monument. I had heard of the Indian ruins that took three days to hike and I had heard a bit about the landscape. It was not until Obama announced this National Monument though that I really began to pay attention to this part of the state. That act reminded me of what beauty I still have to explore and I am counting down the days until my kids are old enough to bring them to this part of the state. I don't know what practical effects there will be in removing this designation from the area. What I do know, is that the act of announcing this National Monument reminded me of how special my state truly is, and reminded me of the need to continue exploring these areas.
TRUENeutral
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DOI-2017-0002-1036585/26/2017Rescind the Bears Ears National Monument - Phil Lyman 5-19-2017
I am a San Juan County Commissioner, elected by the people of the County to represent them and to protect their interests. In order to have a productive discussion about the Bears Ears region it is essential to first establish some of the misconceptions and realities.
Reality #1:Indian Sovereignty
While Indian Land and Native American Sovereignty are vitally important subjects that deserve much more deference from the Federal Government than they have received in the past and more than they receive currently, this does not mean that "sovereignty" can be applied to all land in any situation. They are defined by history, by legislation, and by statute, and they do not include the vast area known as Bears Ears. The 1933 Colton Bill is an important document in this regard. I provides an important historical assessment of what is and what is not "Indian Land." This is a vitally important point that deserves to be dealt with honestly and earnestly, not used deceptively as it has been used in relation to the Bears Ears Monument.
Reality #2:Red Rock Wilderness Bill Revamped
For each of the past twenty years, Dick Durban has introduced the Red Rock Wilderness Bill and for twenty straight years that bill has been rejected by congress. Mr. Durban is a representative from Pennsylvania who does not represent San Juan County, does not visit San Juan County, and does not care about San Juan County.
IF you compare the Bears Ears proposed Monument, it was identical to the footprint of the Red Rock Wilderness Bill that had been proposed. The Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF)had been a supporter of the Red Rock Wilderness Bill and saw an opportunity to appropriate Utah Dine Bikeyah, which, at the time, was a local organization of Utah Navajos. CLF sought to misappropriate the efforts of Dine Bikeyah and use it to push their own Red Rock Wilderness Bill.
This manipulation of groups based on their ethnicity or religion is abhorrent, yet it was the design of CLF. Their machinations should not be rewarded by allowing them to retain the effects for which they committed these offenses.
Reality #3:Antiquities Act Perverted
As President Trump said of the Bears Ears National Monument declaration - "This never should have happened." The Antiquities Act was not intended as a landscape management tool. We do not accept the narrative that our entire county should be set aside in the interest of antiquity. We live here. We are good stewards as evidenced by the fact that this area has retained the qualities which attracted its nomination for monument status in the first place.
Reality 4:We live here
Whether the radical environmentalists like it or not, people live in San Juan County. We have generations of our ancestors buried in our cemeteries. We work and raise our families here. Our home should not be at the mercy of a rich person's playground. We have a system of transportation which includes roads, trails, airports, rivers etc. Those things are not trivial and should not be flippantly closed by arrogant federal agencies. Environmental groups have found favorable treatment in federal courts by using road closures as a whip and a way to gain leverage over local citizens and local elected representatives. This should never happen. A county should not be at the mercy of outside interests who have nothing to risk in pushing their agenda.
Reality 5: Counties are governments too
The boundary that defines San Juan County means something. As much as people want to say that federal land belongs to all Americans, where that land happens to lie is also important. The land that lies within the borders of San Juan County falls under a shared jurisdiction of Federal, State, and County government. FLPMA requires federal agencies to coordinate their plans with the County Master Plan. This has not been done for quite some time and it is time. When we speak of a nation of laws, it is exactly this sort of Federal overstep that the Law was intended to protect against. We insist that the Laws be respected. That un-elected federal agencies be removed from the decisions that can and should be made by politically accountable representatives and by the people themselves who are most affected by land use decisions.
Rescind the Bear Ears National Monument and restore the form of government envisioned by the founders where power is derived by the consent of the governed. We look forward to bringing functionality back to San Juan County.
The Grand Staircase National Monument is a monument to government mismanagement. It never should have happened and needs to be rescinded as well. It is not right to reward a taking with merely a smaller taking. These landscape-wide decisions were meant for the people and their elected representatives, not for a single person to create with a stroke of the pen. Rescinding is the only option that would send the message that we are a nation of laws.
Thank You
TRUENegative
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DOI-2017-0002-1036725/26/2017I believe the recent Bears Ears Monument was pushed threw and because of it's extremely large size it had very little local support. I live in San Juan County UT and I believe the BENM is acessive in size. I would like to see National Monumemt discussions made with more coordination with congress, local Goverment and local citizens and not by the President aloneTRUENegative
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DOI-2017-0002-1036825/26/2017Please keep all our national monuments intact, as they are today. We need to protect and preserve for future generations. I live in Utah and I want to keep Bears Ears and Escalante federally protected as they are today. I plead with you to listen to citizens and not corporations.TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1038095/26/2017Dear Mr. Zinke,

Please listen to the average people, the ones that live in Utah and the ones that wish to visit soon. Do not listen to the oil companies or their representatives. Please be the leader we need, since our Governor and Congressman seam to have chosen private interests. You have the chance to leave a good legacy for your grandkids and mine. In contrast, you could make history as the Interior Secretary that was not capable to oppose an irresponsable president that is trying to backtrack any advance on environmental issues. Please do not help revoke or resize our National Monuments, stand with the people from all the states that are being attacked, do the right thing for the majority.

Regards,

LB.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1039005/26/2017Canyons Bed and Breakfast
120 East Main Street
Escalante, UT 84726
720-272-8102benblaugrund@gmail.com

May 25, 2017

RE: Uphold and do not limit, shrink nor rescind Grand Staircase Escalante ("GSENM") nor Bear's Ears (BENM) National Monuments

Dear Secretary Zinke:

I am a local business owner in Escalante, Utah, and I write to encourage you to uphold the national monument designations and other protections for federal public lands in general, and those of southern UtahGrand Staircase Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument--specifically. Do not shrink nor rescind a monument.

My comment here is limited in length due to the 5000-word restriction for comments. However, I've attached supporting documentation and my full letter as attachments.

A 2016 Pew statewide poll shows majority support for the Monument cutting across traditional political or rural/urban divides.

52% of Utah residents stated that designation of Grand Staircase-Escalante was a "good thing for Utah" - more than double the 23% that considered it a bad thing. 55% of the respondents consider themselves "conservative" versus only 18% "liberal" - and less than 1/3 of the respondents hailed from Salt Lake County.

The inescapable conclusion is that Utah citizens broadly and deeply support the Monument. Grand Staircase-Escalante has stood the test of time.

WHO WILL YOU BE, Secretary Zinke? Rob Bishop's Puppet or Teddy Roosevelt's Heir?
Practically and Politically, A Repeal or Shrinking of Any National Monument is Political Suicide for Secretary Zinke

On a practical level, do not be Rob Bishop's puppet. Instead, be Teddy Roosevelt's heir, and bolster protection for Utah's national monuments despite the intense political pressures. Secretary Zinke, you have the opportunity to be a national leader. Do not sell out your own political future, nor the future edification of our children to enjoy national monuments, simply to appease a few legislatures beholden to fossil fuels and parochial ranching interests.

LEGALLY, The Executive Branch Does Not Have the Authority to Revoke or Shrink a National Monument

Congress has only delegated to the President and the executive branch the power to establish monuments, not revoke them. In addition, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 ("FLPMA") makes it clear that the President does not have the implied authority to rescind or limit national monuments.

GSENM has stood the test of time since being designated in 1998. This Monument weathered initial controversy and legal challenges in the first decade of its existence. The Monument was left undisturbed after a comprehensive review by respected GOP Secretary of Interior Gale Norton. It's designation was affirmed by both Utah federal district court and the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals.

FACTUALLY, All Evidence Supports the Validity of National Monuments and Their Net-Positive Effect on the Local Economy

As a local business owner and resident, I can attest to the fact that the GSENM has led to a more diversified, sustainable local economy. Garfield County's average annual real per capital personal income grown surpassed Utah's average throughout the 200s (1.34% vs. 1.15%) and outperformed UT's average over the six-year period of the last decade, 2010-2015 (2.86% vs. 2.15%). (Bureau of Economic Analysis)

The facts belie what opponents suggest.
1. Nearly $5M in tax revenues have been generated by from tourism in 2016 and visitation to the GSENM is estimated to have increased year-on-year, indicating that growth will continue to be robust leading to sustainable revenue and increased employment.
2. Over 96% of the designated lands are still available for cattle ranching under the current monument status, preserving the historical livelihood of generations of pioneer residents.
3. Employment has increased over 260% since the designation of these preserved areas. Employment opportunities remain robust.
4.Therefore, contrary to the information that the Dep't of Interior has been provided, these resource designations represent an ideal balance between 1) the preservation of cultural heritages and 2) the continued growth into the new reality of the responsible use of public lands.

Finally, with specific regards to Bear's Ears; there are literally thousands of cultural sites relating to the indigenous populations; including the Hopis, the Navajos, amongst many others. The coalition created to administer this monument provides for a long-overdue reconciliation to lands procured by the U.S. government. The joint administration, involving the U.S. government and indigenous nations, will insure that these public lands are put to the best use.

Putting My Money Where My Mouth Is: My Personal Substantial Economic Investment in the Local Garfield County/City is $2,000,000, and I intend to invest more if GSENM and BENM are left alone and not limited or rescinded.

Sincerely,
Benjamin L. Blaugrund, J.D.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1039205/26/2017Please do not renege on Bears Ears National Monument. As a Utah resident I DO NOT agree with the narrow-minded views of my Congressional Delegation. The only way to properly protect that unique land is Federal oversight. Please honor the thoughtful designation of National Monument. The is a long tail of false states rights claims in the politics involving federal land. If this false and short minded argument was followed we would not have most of the National Parks and Monuments out west. Look at the history of Grand Teton NP...at age 90 the former Governor of Wyoming said he was "very glad he lost that fight." If he had won the Tetons would be up for grabs.

If we don't learn from our past we will continue to make the same mistakes! SUPPORT BEARS EARS!

Thanks
Tom Holmes
Salt Lake City, UT
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1039625/26/2017I am a Utah resident and I have visited Grand Staircase and the community of Escalante for the past 16 years. It is beautiful country and I have seen the community grow since the establishment of the monument. There are new business that are the direct result of the tourism it has encouraged.

I am also someone who makes a living from the cattle industry and selling beef. I support keeping The Grand Staiercase monument as it is with no changes. I feel our responsibility is our children and future generations, and that protecting these lands supports the future of these communities. Coal, oil, and gas leasing does not provide a long term benefit when weighed against the opportunities for tourism and the protection of this outstanding area.

As a Utahn I also support the establishment of Bears Ears, and the full protection of that monument. It truly deserves the protection of the antiquities act.
TRUEPositive
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DOI-2017-0002-1039645/26/2017Dear Secretary Ryan Zinke,

I write, as a Utah resident, to emphasize the importance of Bears Ears National Monument, both ecologically, and aesthetically. I am told by by Native America friends that it has particular cultural significance to them as well. It is a beautiful landscape and surely deserves the protections it now enjoys as a National Monument.

I also deeply resent the frequent assertions by Utah's Congressional delegation that Utahns are opposed to the monument. The plain fact is that it is only the lobbies of the extractive industries that oppose the Monument designation. I urge you to preserve and protect our public lands, which are a key resource for the entire country. The tourism they support is a far more valuable economic activity than mineral extraction.
TRUEPositive
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