Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
President Donald J. Trump signed proclamations modifying two Utah national monuments, significantly reducing their sizes to allow for increased land use flexibility. The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was reduced from about 1.87 million acres to roughly 181,500 acres, while the Bears Ears National Monument was decreased from around 1.36 million acres to about 121,100 acres.
The proclamations state that specific landmarks, structures, and objects of historic and scientific interest protected by the Antiquities Act will remain safeguarded. Surrounding lands not essential to these protections will be available for multiple-use sustained-yield management, including grazing, timber harvesting, fishing, hunting, resource development, infrastructure updates, and motorized recreation.
The statement asserts this action addresses overreach and abuse of the Antiquities Act by preserving only the minimum area necessary to protect historic or scientific objects. It notes prior designations broadened the term to include biodiversity and landscape viewsheds, which may not meet the Act's criteria. Many features are said to already be protected under other federal laws.
The modifications are described as restoring public access and traditional multiple-use land management on these federal lands. The Administration also highlights previous conservation actions, such as signing the Great American Outdoors Act and adding protected trails and wilderness areas.