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McSally asking for preservation of national monuments in Arizona

Posted at 12:33 PM, Aug 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-18 21:11:09-04

U.S. Representative Martha McSally sent a letter to U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to take stakeholders’ input and public comments into account before making recommendations to rescind, reduce, or alter several of Arizona’s National Monuments.

In her letter, Congresswoman McSally wrote:

Arizona has more National Monuments than any other state. In addition to the pristine and unique geological formations, extensive forests and diverse wildlife found at these Monuments, these National Park units attract thousands of visitors annually providing economic activity and jobs in our state.

As you consider the remaining Arizona Monuments under review, I request that you place the highest level of care on state and local stakeholders’ input and the public comments you received before making your recommendations.

On April 26, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing Secretary Zinke to conduct a thorough review of certain National Monuments and make recommendations about their designations.

The order required the focus on lands that were created after January 1, 1996 that are larger than 100,000 acres.

On August 4, the Secretary issued his first recommendation on an Arizona National Park and the Grand Canyon Parashant was taken off the list.

Of the 27 National Monuments currently under his review, Ironwood Forest, Vermilion Cliffs, and the Sonoran Desert in Arizona have not yet received a recommendation from Secretary Zinke.