Media Advisory for Aug. 16 Tele-press conference: Western voices join millions in condemning Trump administration review of national monuments

Aug. 16, 1 pm ET Tele-press Conference with New Mexico Attorney General, stakeholders from Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico comment on the upcoming Department of Interior report on national monuments under review mandated by Trump Executive Order.

WHAT: 
More than 2.7 million people have submitted comments in support of America’s national monuments, including local residents whose way of life and livelihood depend on these protected public lands. Following an Executive Order from President Trump, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke is required to deliver a final report by August 24 detailing the future of more than two dozen national monuments, from Maine to California.
WHO:   
Hear from New Mexico’s Attorney General, a Utah business owner, a New Mexico hunter and taxidermist, a Nevada artist and Las Vegas Paiute Tribe member, a Utah military veteran and Navajo leader, and an Arizona conservationist about the personal and local impacts that would be felt if Trump takes action to undo or undermine protections for national monuments. A public lands legal expert will be available to take questions.

Hector G. Balderas, New Mexico Attorney General – A native New Mexican, Attorney General Balderas is a strong advocate of Rio Grande del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks national monuments. He has contacted Sec. Zinke about the legal aspects of the monument and to underscore the overwhelming support for the two national monuments, and their cultural, recreational and economic benefits to NM.

Fawn Douglas, Las Vegas Paiute Tribe - A former tribal councilwoman and native artist, Douglas has traveled to DC numerous times to lobby for the initial protections for Gold Butte National Monument (NV), a land sacred to local tribes.

Joe Sheehey, Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society and bighorn sheep hunter, Tucson, AZ - Due to national monument status and Sheehey’s efforts, the Bighorn Sheep population is flourishing enough for hunting, and transplanting once-threatened sheep to other parts of their historic range.

Blake Spaulding, co-owner of Hell’s Backbone Grill at Boulder Mountain Lodge, Boulder, UT - Neighboring Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is vital to the local economy and her thriving restaurant business. Without it, her 50-employee business might not survive.

Fernando Clemente, wildlife biologist, local taxidermist, and avid sportsman, Las Cruces, NM - As President of the Board of the Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Clemente advocates for the vital role large connected lands play in protecting habitat for wildlife. He recently met with Secretary Zinke in Las Cruces.  **NOTE: Clemente is available for Spanish-language interviews.

Davis Filfred, Navajo Nation Council Delegate, Aneth, UT – A staunch supporter of Bears Ears National Monument, Filfred is a former U.S. Marine Corp veteran who served in the Persian Gulf War, and a former Navajo Tribal Police officer.

WHERE:  800-351-4872 Password: review
WHEN:  Wednesday, August 16, 2017 - 1 pm ET/11 am MT/10 am PT
Additional Resources
Media Toolkit featuring photos, video, background information and additional voices.
Dispatches from Monumental America: A Listening Tour.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Michael Reinemer, Michael_reinemer@tws.org, (202) 429-3949
Jennifer Dickson, jennifer_dickson@tws.org, (303) 650-9379
The Wilderness Society is the leading conservation organization working to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. Founded in 1935, and now with more than 1 million members and supporters, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect 109 million acres of wilderness and to ensure sound management of our shared national lands. www.wilderness.org