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Duchesne County adopts resolution urging congressional role in national monument designations
Summary
The Duchesne County Commission approved a resolution criticizing unilateral presidential monument designations and backing congressional authorization and local input, adding language about infrastructure impacts and search-and-rescue burdens.
The Duchesne County Commission voted to adopt a resolution urging Congress to require congressional authorization for national monument designations and to ensure local consultation and infrastructure planning.
The resolution—modeled on a New Mexico county’s action and amended to reflect Duchesne County’s resource management plan—criticized recent large monument designations and called for more collaboration under FLPMA and NEPA where applicable. Commissioners added a “whereas” clause noting that increased visitation to newly designated areas can overwhelm local roads, parking and restroom facilities and increase demands on search-and-rescue services.
Why it matters: Commissioners said monument designations can directly affect county economies and multiple‑use management of federal lands, and they want legislative changes that require congressional authorization rather than sole presidential proclamation.
The county’s discussion referenced Bears Ears and Grand Staircase as examples. Commissioners and staff said the Antiquities Act, in practice, has resulted in large geographic designations that can outstrip local capacity. One commissioner suggested that National Park status could address some infrastructure and enforcement issues, but commissioners emphasized the need for a collaborative planning process and federal funding for infrastructure and ongoing management.
The resolution was adopted by voice vote; the chair called for “ayes,” and multiple commissioners responded in the affirmative.
