After more than 80 years of efforts to protect the Bears Ears region in southeastern Utah, President Obama recently designated the area as a national monument. Encompassing some 1.35 million acres of stunning redrock scenery, the Bears Ears National Monument is home to an astonishing number of archaeological sites, including ruins and rock art, that are threatened by looting and vandalism.
While supporters are celebrating the designation, particularly a coalition of Native American tribes that consider the area sacred, many Utah politicians have reflexively opposed protections. Some opponents argue the designation will hurt funding for Utah’s public schools provided by some state-owned land. A closer look at a previous Utah monument shows the Bears Ears designation could be a win for conservation and school funding.