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Today, the Bureau of Land Management announced the final plans to open up Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante to drilling, mining and grazing. Much of the land that was once protected will be auctioned off to the highest bidder for development. Seeing the undoing of Bears Ears has opened my eyes to the intersectionality of public lands, climate and social justice. When the administration undid Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, it wasn’t just the largest reduction of protected public land in our country’s history. It’s the erasure of Indigenous voices and leadership. And it sets a horrible precedent for the future of protected public lands in America. When our land is assaulted like this, it leaves a trauma that will have long-lasting effects for future generations. It hurts our air, our water and our people. Once you make that cut, it isn’t easy to close the wound.We must urge the federal government to reconsider and let the courts decide on the legality of the land reduction. I wish I had more answers and a more concrete call to action besides to get out and vote. I’m genuinely curious to hear from others: What can we do to protect the cultural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities in Bears Ears and Grand Staircase? How can we make sure Indigenous voices are heard and recognized? And how do we keep fossil fuels in the ground? #protectbearsears #savegrandstaircase Photo: @rob.lea
