HECHO Statement: Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument’s Public Meeting

The Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service hosted a well-attended public meeting in Flagstaff today to discuss the proposed 1.1-million-acre Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument.

"As we heard during this session, this designation has strong support because people love and want to protect the Grand Canyon watershed. About 300 people, including HECHO's Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council members, HECHO’s Advisory Board member and staff, attended this public meeting to share the many reasons why the Grand Canyon must be protected. The Tribal Coalition-led proposal to safeguard the Grand Canyon region from uranium mining is supported by a large majority of people," says Camilla Simon, executive director of HECHO. 

For years, Tribes, diverse organizations, including HECHO, local communities, leaders, and businesses have advocated for its permanent protection.  

"This irreplaceable landscape and its vital natural resources are too valuable to risk. This is a sacred land for many Tribes, who have been the original stewards of the Grand Canyon region since time immemorial. Its watershed is vitally important for communities and wildlife that depend on it. This Arizonan icon offers many outdoor experiences and is a major economic driver. The time has come to finally protect it for present and future generations," adds Simon.

HECHO urges President Biden to designate the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument through his authority granted by the Antiquities Act.