This administration has misapplied the Antiquities Act and by a stroke of a pen circumvented Congress in management of public lands. During the speech the president said, “I will use my authority to protect more of our pristine federal lands for future generations.”
4x4Wire.com believes that responsible monument designations should include public input and cooperation, along with adherence to the 1906 act, which states, “the limits of which in all cases shall be confined to the smallest area compatible with proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”
While the act gives the president the authority to make designations “in his discretion,” local stakeholders and those most familiar with the land are valuable resources who should not be overlooked. This administration and all future administrations should work with congress, affected user groups and local and state elected officials before any designations of public lands as national monuments. Americans are a diverse group of citizens who have different, yet compatible, ways of enjoying the great outdoors. 4x4Wire.com believes that there is room on our public lands for those who enjoy motorized recreation.
4x4Wire.com advocates for responsible motorized recreation and believes that the disposition of public lands should include the voices of all users.