National park staff in Utah have flagged 37 signs and exhibits that may be out of compliance with the Trump administration order to edit or get rid of any interpretive material that “inappropriately disparages Americans,” or talks about any aspect of nature other than its “beauty, abundance, or grandeur.”
Examples that were reported by the Salt Lake Tribune include:
- A sign in Bryce Canyon National Park that describes how peregrine falcons almost went extinct in the 1970s because of chemical poisoning.
- Signs at Lees Ferry in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area that describe John D. Lee, a Mormon pioneer and polygamist who was involved in the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
- A sign in Arches National Park that says Indigenous people were forced onto reservations.
- A wayside sign that explains how pollinators are in peril in Zion National Park.
The list from Utah national park staff is among hundreds of submissions included in a database shared with the Washington Post last week by a group describing itself as “civil servants on the front lines.” The group said it posted the database on two public websites to show Americans how the administration is “trying to use your public lands to erase history and undermine science.”
On Wednesday, a group of lawmakers led by Senator Martin Heinrich of New Mexico spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate in opposition to the administration’s efforts to censor and erase history. Sen. Heinrich said the Trump administration’s orders “should anger every single American,” and they are “straight out of the authoritarian playbook.” Lawmakers also sent a letter co-signed by 15 other senators to the Interior department demanding information on the park exhibits that have been removed, altered, or are under consideration across the country.
Quick hits
Nation’s first critical minerals mine slated for Arizona biodiversity hotspot
The Trump admin’s plans to erase history, science at Utah national parks
Doug Burgum joins oil CEO to disparage land conservation
Trump admin readies plans to dismantle renowned science lab
How the Trump administration could lower energy prices and what it is doing instead
Colorado’s acquisition of historic ranch a win for wildlife and public land access
In ski towns, a bad snow year is worsening wildfire fears
Editorial: Public lands face growing threat from privatization agenda
Quote of the day
Many of the management plans now targeted for repeal were the product of painstaking negotiations among Tribes, scientists, ranchers, conservationists, and business owners. They represent the messy but essential democratic work of balancing competing interests. To sweep them aside through procedural shortcuts is not just bad policy, it is an insult to the communities that spent years helping craft them.”
—Las Vegas Sun Editorial Board
Picture This
Bloom! There it is!
Death Valley National Park, yes, the place that’s famously the hottest and driest spot in North America, is currently pulling off quite the plot twist: it’s covered in wildflowers after some generous winter rains. The park is seeing one of the best bloom years since 2016. The star of the show right now is the bright, showy Desert Gold, turning vast stretches of the desert floor into a golden carpet that’s hard to miss. But it’s not a one-flower party. Purple phacelia, white gravel ghosts, pink sand verbena, and more are joining the party.
Low-elevation areas have mostly peaked. Head to higher elevations, and the flowers will take over from April into June for an extended season. (Weather permitting) To keep this desert magic going for everyone (and every critter): Please leave any blooming flowers where they are. No picking or collecting plants, rocks, or cultural items either. Stick to designated trails, roads, and pullouts; off-road driving beyond the shoulder harms the fragile ecosystem.
Get bloom updates and learn more at: NPS.gov/deva
Featured image: People at Lower Delicate Arch Viewpoint. Credit: NPS/Chris Wonderly.