Updates

National Monument Update: The Washington Post has published a leaked copy of Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke’s National Monument report. Read it here. It has the following suggestions: Bears Ears National Monument, Utah: Shrink (separate reports suggest by as much as 1 million acres) the National Monument and allow ‘traditional’ uses like mining, logging and drilling in protected areas. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah: Shrink the National Monument and allow ‘traditional’ uses like mining, logging and drilling in protected areas. Cascade Siskiyou National Monument, Oregon and California: Shrink the National Monument and allow ‘traditional’ uses like mining, logging and  drilling in protected…

The White House stalls on releasing Zinke’s report on National Monuments All summer long we have been working with our state and national colleagues to pressure Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to listen to the 2.8 million comments received (99% in support) of saving national monuments and the defense of public lands. Thursday, August 24 was Zinke’s deadline for his final report on National Monuments and the White House is still keeping everyone in the dark about their plans. We did learn that Zinke is recommending to drastically reduce at least four national monuments. You can read Department…

Mammoth Base Land Exchange September 2017 update In late August we submitted comments of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Mammoth Base Land Exchange.  Under the Proposed Action, the Forest Service would exchange approximately 35.6 acres of National Forest System lands within the boundaries of the Inyo National Forest, and currently managed as part of a Ski Area Term Special Use Permit to Mammoth Main Lodge Redevelopment, LLC in exchange for approximately 1,296.7 acres of privately owned lands located within the boundaries of the Inyo, Plumas and Stanislaus National Forests and one 1.4 acre parcel in Bishop, CA adjacent to…

The Comment Period Closed July 10, 2017. Results and report of the Review due August 24, 2017. In California, monuments under review include Berryessa Snow Mountain, Carrizo Plain, Sand to Snow, Mojave Trails, San Gabriel Mountains, and Giant Sequoia. The California State Legislature and Attorney General have already sent their messages to the Drumpf administration: Leave California’s Monuments Alone!  Comments including mention of the economic importance of monuments to local rural economies, reference to unique landscapes, cultural or historical treasures, and personal experiences are most impactful. View Friends of the Inyo’s comments on all California monuments here. If you live…