Discussion about national public lands in Utah has ramped up in recent months, as a coalition of five Native American tribes works to protect the Bears Ears region in the southeastern corner of the state as a national monument. Home to more than 100,000 archaeological and cultural sites, the scenic region has long been threatened by looting and vandalism.
Unfortunately, the debate over the proposed national monument has included many dubious assertions by conservation opponents. To begin setting the record straight, let’s take a look at several truths about public lands in the state and one often-repeated lie.
As the debate over public lands in Utah continues, one thing is clear—the Bears Ears region deserves to be permanently protected.