This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Thank you, President Obama, for your courage in protecting the Bears Ears' pristine landscape by creating our newest national monument. This is a truly appropriate use of the Antiquities Act because of the vast wealth of ancient art and dwellings that are in danger there.
The Bears Ears area contains more pre-Columbian sites than all five Utah national parks combined. We understand that this landscape is unique and fragile, and so do the five tribes that have endorsed the monument designation. Your courageous action will no doubt be disliked by some in the short term. But, like all previous monument designations, it will be praised in the long run. Bears Ears contains irreplaceable archaeological sites, world class climbing, pristine wilderness and remote areas of sacred lands. Future generations will praise your actions in saving this national treasure.
Chuck Brainerd
Sandy