PARK CITY, Utah (BRAIN) — On the eve of a deadline for public comments, outdoor industry suppliers, retailers and trade groups are urging support for maintaining National Monument status for the Bears Ears region, a 1.35 million acre expanse in Utah.
The Trump adminstration is reviewing all Monument designations of more than 100,000 acres made since Jan. 1, 1996. President Obama declared Bears Ears a National Monument in December. The deadline for comments relating to Bears Ears National Monument is May 26. Comments relating to all other National Monuments must be submitted before July 10.
PeopleForBikes, the Outdoor Industry Association, Patagonia, Backcountry.com, REI and Arc'teryx, among others, have been speaking out in support of maintaining the status of Bears Ears and other Monuments, and have urged customers and others to leave comments with the U.S. Department of the Interior.
PeopleForBikes, in a letter to supporters this week, said the review of all monuments "could result in changes for existing or planned access for biking," and urged supporters to send comments to oppose any change.
Those wishing to comment can do so at regulations.gov by entering "DOI-2017-0002" in the Search bar and clicking "Search," or by mail to Monument Review, MS-1530, U.S. Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20240.
