Western Lands

The Four Corners region including southeast Utah contains examples of ancient art that rivals that found anywhere else in the world.

Horseshoe Canyon -- Wikipedia

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has been touring the area and speaking with groups including environmental and tribal groups asking for protection of 1.9 million acres in the Bears Ears area through designation of the area as a National Monument.  It is estimated that the region contains around 100,000 archaeological sites which are largely unprotected and currently subject to looting, vandalism and grave robbing.

Representative Rob Bishop (R-UT) has introduced a bill which would transfer all federally-owned energy and mineral resources in southern Utah to state control to allow development of coal, oil and uranium resources.  The bill would also open access to Recapture Canyon to motorized vehicles.

A good over-view of the area and proposals for protection are available at The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition web site.