Dear Member of House of Representatives Or Senator

Dear Member of House of Representatives or Senator

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We are writing to you today to ask that you consider co-sponsorship of the National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act. This legislation would end the abuse of, and bring needed reforms to, the Antiquities Act. The legislation will ensure public involvement and Congressional oversight over any future Presidential National Monument designation.

All across the nation, recreational groups are concerned that unilateral National Monument designations will result in overly restrictive management of our Nation's public lands. In the past, huge National Monuments have been created without any notice given to the public or even the State's elected officials. The U.S. Congress, which has oversight responsibilities for our nation's public lands, was similarly left in the dark.

The National Monument Designation Transparency and Accountability Act of 2010 would reduce the amount of land the President can designate as a national monument. Specifically, it would only allow the President to designate “the smallest area essential to ensure the proper care and management of the objects to be protected.”

The law would provide for Congressional review by requiring the President to provide details of any proposed National Monument to Congress, the Governor and local governments at least 30 days prior to designation. The bill would require the Secretary of the Interior to hold at least one public hearing, within the boundaries of the monument and within 90 days of the proclamation. And unless approved by an Act of Congress within two years, a national monument designation proclamation shall cease to be effective.

Given the past abuses of the Antiquities Act, the Act that gives a President authority to designate new National Monuments, and the resulting closure of millions of acres of scenic public lands to motorized vehicle access, we believe this legislation is necessary. When new management plans are developed for national monuments federal agencies often impose very burdensome regulations on recreation, both motorized and non-motorized. Past National Monuments have resulted in tens of thousands of miles of roads and trails and even campsites being closed to the public.

Please contact us as soon as possible regarding your decision to help bring public and Congressional oversight to massive National Monument designations

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