On December 28th, the Obama administration announced the designation of new national monuments, Gold Butte in Nevada and Bears Ears in Utah. The new monuments will permanently protect cultural and historic resources from rampant looting and destruction, while safeguarding spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
In response the Sierra Club issued the following statements.
“We applaud President Obama for taking action to permanently protect the culture and history of Gold Butte and Bears Ears. Protected open spaces like these are vital for healthy air, water, and climate, but they also provide powerful opportunities for healing — something vitally important as people come together during this tense moment in history. These designations, a response to strong tribal advocacy and years of work by local people, is a welcome reminder of the power of positive action and a chance to continue building the inclusive future we want to see in our public lands,” said Michael Brune, Sierra Club executive director.
“I am thankful that Senator Reid and Representative Titus have dedicated themselves to protecting Nevada’s public resources. Gold Butte is important to our indigenous peoples, the Nuwuvi (Southern Paiutes). These lands, so integral to our culture, will now be protected for future generations, and our history will now be recognized as part of the history of Nevada and America. It has been an honor to be a part of the process of indigenous peoples playing a more significant role in the stewardship of our ancestral lands,” said Fawn Douglas, Sierra Club volunteer and member of the Las Vegas Band of the Southern Paiutes.
“Local Sierra Club members have been waiting and hoping for this moment. Once again President Obama has put himself on the right side of history by acting on the call from Tribal Nations to protect the Bears Ears as a national monument. The designation is a fitting way to recognize an important piece of our full American story– protecting Native American sacred sites, Mormon pioneer artifacts, and an incredible natural area. Thank you President Obama for protecting this heritage as a national treasure for all,” said Marc Thomas, Utah Sierra Club Chapter Chair.
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