– By Amy Brunvand
In a speech honoring the 100th Anniversary of U.S. National Parks, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell promised to visit Utah where she mentioned “a range of conservation proposals, legislative and otherwise, to further protect public lands.”
Speaking about the Antiquities Act which could be used to designate a Bears Ears National Monument in southern Utah, Jewell pointed out that local objection would have prevented the designation of Zion National Park. “I do not think the Act should be used only in places where there is complete agreement,” she said.
As for anti-parks legislators, Jewell was aghast, “Find me someone who really wants to privatize the National Parks,” she said, ”Really?”
The Next 100 years of Conservation: doi.gov/pressreleases/secretary-jewell-offers-vision-next-100-years-conservation-america