Op-ed: National monument designation would protect Grand Canyon region for generations

By U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Ariz.

If someone told you we could permanently protect the greater Grand Canyon region from existing and future threats, would you do it?

In survey after survey, an overwhelming number of Arizonans and Americans have answered “yes.”

My answer, too, is “yes.” I’m pleased to become a cosponsor of H.R. 3882, the Greater Grand Canyon Heritage National Monument Act. The legislation was introduced by my Arizona colleague, U.S. Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva.

In 2015, I announced my support for the concept of this national monument and launched an ongoing dialogue with my constituents. It was important to listen to folks from every corner of Arizona and especially stakeholders in the region. Since then, I’ve heard strong support for a monument designation, and I’ve worked to address concerns.

For starters, I’ve always stood with Arizona’s Native American tribes in opposing uranium mining at the Grand Canyon, so it was important to me that this legislation permanently bans new uranium mining claims there. The current 20-year ban on uranium mining was done by secretarial order, not statute, so the next administration and a new Interior Secretary could override it. Generations of Native Americans have suffered health and economic damage as a result of past decades of uranium mining. We must permanently ban uranium mining at the Canyon – for the sake of the people, land, water and livestock of the region.

A national monument designation would protect ancient forests, migratory wildlife corridors, archeological sites and sacred tribal sites such as Red Butte on the Coconino Plateau. It would support clean drinking water and outdoor recreation. And it would promote more collaboration between our tribal nations and federal land managers.

In a 2015 letter to the president, I joined Reps. Grijalva and Gallego to describe the importance of establishing a national monument. The heart of this region is the Kaibab Plateau, we wrote, “where the Colorado River carves its way through the Grand Canyon and provides water for millions of people in Arizona, Nevada, and California, as well as further downstream in Mexico. The Kaibab Plateau is home to sensitive plants and animals found nowhere else in the world.”

There are many reasons to support this monument designation, but I’d also like to address concerns I’ve heard:

Some opponents have called this a “land grab.” So it’s important to point out that this is already federal land. Our proposal does not include private land. And because this is public land, we have an obligation to preserve it for future generations.

Others are concerned this would restrict activities such as cattle grazing or hunting. I come from a ranching family, so I’m not a fan of excessive land-use restrictions. This legislation preserves grazing and water rights, and it does not prohibit hunting, fishing and other recreational activities. As the bill moves through the legislative process – committee hearings, amendments, etc. – I will work to ensure these activities are protected.

It’s important that we support these activities and the tremendous tourism the Grand Canyon brings to our state. The Canyon is not only an environmental treasure but a major economic driver that supports about 6,000 jobs and attracts about $415 million in annual visitor spending.

So again, I ask: If someone told you we could permanently protect the greater Grand Canyon region from existing and future threats, would you do it? I’ve listened carefully and respectfully to Arizonans on this issue, and their answer is clear: Let’s work together and get it done, for the sake of our great state and future generations.

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