Lay of the Land

Protect Bears Ears

The Antiquities Act of 1906 gives the President the authority to create national monuments on public lands. Beginning with Theodore Roosevelt, every president, save two, has used this authority to protect and preserve some of America’s most important natural and archaeological treasures including Chaco Canyon, Devils Tower, and the Grand Canyon. In virtually every case, the creation of a new national monument was surrounded by political controversy.

In this issue of American Archaeology (see ”The Bears Ears Controversy,” page 12), we explore the debate about the proposal to create a new national monument in southeastern Utah in and around Cedar Mesa and the Bears Ears. On one side is a coalition of Native Americans, archaeologists, and conservationists who are pressing President Obama to improve protection of this area by creating a national monument. They are being opposed by local politicians who are against new restrictions on the uses of public lands.

The area is rich in archaeology with thousands of sites spanning some 13,000 years from Paleo-Indians to Mormon pioneers. It’s an area of diverse natural resources and great scenic beauty. Sadly, it is also an area of rampant looting and vandalism of archaeological sites, both for fun and for profit. Anasazi pottery can bring thousands of dollars on the black market, while looting destroys critical parts of the nation’s heritage. A few years ago government raids in the area netted thousands of stolen artifacts and several big time looters and dealers, but a number of Utah politicians defended this criminal activity.

The archaeological sites of the Bears Ears and Cedar Mesa are a national treasure, and they desperately need increased protection. Creation of a national monument would be an important step in the right direction.

Mark Michel, President