Today, Mayor Jackie Biskupski signed a letter to Secretary Ryan Zinke of the Department of the interior, speaking in support of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Southern Utah.

“Any federal decision to modify acreage or roll back protection of these incredible spaces will have negative and far-reaching impacts on Salt Lake City, as well as our entire state,” the Mayor wrote.

“Our Capital City is the gateway to the majestic national parks and monuments that make Southern Utah a worldwide tourist destination. These lands are powerful economic drivers for our city, with thousands of visitors launching their adventures to these iconic landscapes from Salt Lake City.”

Mayor Biskupski also noted the recent decision by Outdoor Industry Association to move the Outdoor Retailer shows from Salt Lake City due to an impasses between state leaders and industry executives over public lands.

“While my Administration and others continue to reach out to the outdoor industry, both locally and nationally, we cannot afford further damage to our reputation posed by altering the monuments.”

The Mayor’s letter also raised issue with the extraction of fossil fuels in the area, describing that as the “opposite direction Salt Lake City is taking,” and highlighting the City’s clean energy goals. Mayor Biskupski also expressed concern for the culture, history, and voices of Native American’s who have advocated for the Bears Ears Monument.

The Mayor’s Office also began a campaign to gather comments from the public during the review process. The comments will be collected by the Mayor’s Office, recorded, and sent to the Department of the Interior prior to the deadlines of July 10th for most national monuments and May 26th for Bears Ears.

To view Mayor Biskupski’s letter and to make a comment visit www.slcmayor.com/national-monuments