Washington D.C.—Today, President Obama has designated the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah and the Gold Butte National Monument in Nevada. The League of Conservation Voters’ President Gene Karpinski released the following statement:

“We are thrilled that President Obama is permanently protecting these majestic landscapes and cultural treasures for current and future generations to enjoy.

Today’s announcement is the best way to ensure that the Bears Ears region has the protection it deserves after Rep. Rob Bishop failed to deliver meaningful protections through legislation. For years the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition has been working to save America’s most significant unprotected cultural landscape, and today they’ve been rewarded along with a historic decision that will give tribes a larger voice in how the area is managed. 

Thanks to the leadership of Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Dina Titus, the people of Nevada are celebrating the protection of the state’s piece of the Grand Canyon with the creation of the Gold Butte National Monument. This new monument will help safeguard the area’s rich cultural heritage, iconic scenery, and wildlife from the threats of vandalism and looting that have plagued the region. 

With today’s announcements, President Obama is continuing to cement his conservation legacy by permanently protecting more land and water than any president in history.”

Nevada Conservation League Executive Director Andy Maggi released this statement:

“This is a huge victory for Nevada. This national monument will not only ensure that our history, landscapes and wildlife are conserved for generations to come, but will also boost our outdoor recreation economy. We thank President Obama, Senator Harry Reid and Congresswoman Dina Titus for their hard work making this national monument a reality.” 

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