SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Oct. 27, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — Amid reports that Pres. Donald Trump will cut the size of Bears Ears National Monument, a White House spokeswoman announced that Trump will head to Utah in early December to announce details himself.
In an article published Friday, The Salt Lake Tribune quoted Sen. Orrin Hatch as saying Trump told him the size reduction is planned:
“I was incredibly grateful the president called this morning to let us know that he is approving Secretary (Ryan) Zinke’s recommendation on Bears Ears,” Hatch reportedly told the newspaper.
“We believe in the importance of protecting these sacred antiquities, but Secretary Zinke and the Trump administration rolled up their sleeves to dig in, talk to locals, talk to local tribes and find a better way to do it. We’ll continue to work closely with them moving forward to ensure Utahns have a voice.”
About halfway through Friday’s daily press briefing, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders was asked about cuts to Bears Ears National Monument.
“I’m not going to get ahead of the president’s announcement on the specifics of that, but I can tell you he will be going to Utah in the first part of early December and will release more details at that point, if not some before. He also spoke with both senators Hatch and Lee during the course of that meeting.”
San Juan County Commission released an official statement on Friday.
“As a commission, we are thrilled that the years of meetings, countless hours of discussion and tirelessly dedicated advocacy has resulted in our local voices being heard by President Trump and Secretary Zinke,” the statement says.
“We take heart in our shared belief that the people of San Juan will continue to take special care of these magnificent lands. This is our home. No one wants to see it protected and secure for future generations more than we do.”
Gov. Gary R. Herbert issued the following statement about his conversation with President Trump regarding Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recommendation on Friday afternoon.
“Just before boarding my return flight to Utah this afternoon, President Trump called me to discuss Secretary Ryan Zinke’s recommendation to reduce the boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. I appreciate the President and the Secretary’s efforts to listen to local concerns and seek a balance when it comes to the complex issues of managing and protecting our public lands.
“While we do not yet know the specifics of their final plan, I understand from our conversation that any final decision will honor our recommendations. Our recommendations have been, first, that any new boundaries protect the extraordinary antiquities within these areas. Second, that local Native Americans be given meaningful co-management of the lands in the Bears Ears region. And finally, that Congress be urged to pass appropriate protections for federal lands throughout Southern Utah. I look forward to working with our congressional delegation and the Trump administration on these issues. ”
Gephardt Daily has reached out to Hatch’s office for a statement, and will provide more information as it becomes available.
