1. United States
2. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the review Secretary Burgum has initiated to potentially revise or alter national monument designations. These monuments protect lands of immense cultural, ecological, and recreational value that belong to all Americans. Removing or reducing protections for these treasured landscapes would be a grave mistake. National monuments like Chuckwalla and Sáttítla Highlands in California safeguard sacred Native American sites and fragile desert ecosystems. Stripping these places of protection to allow energy extraction would irreparably harm their natural and cultural resources. The monuments also provide invaluable opportunities for outdoor recreation that boost local economies. Rather than opening these special places to drilling, mining, and other destructive activities, we should uphold their monument status. These public lands were thoughtfully preserved for the benefit of present and future generations. I urge you to conclude this review by maintaining full protections for all of America's national monuments.