FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 11, 2017
MEDIA CONTACTS: Jaina Moan
Public Comment Closes on National Monument Review
Over 2.7 million comments collected during the 60-day period
LAS VEGAS, NV – Yesterday was the deadline to make a public comment about Gold Butte, Basin and Range, and 22 of the 27 National Monuments under review by the Department of Interior. Overall, over 2.7 million comments were delivered to the Department of Interior during the comment period.
The Department of Interior website reports that 1,410,857 were received before Monday’s deadline; however, this number includes submissions of bulk comments collected by organizations during the comment period. Although representing the voices of many, the Department of Interior counted these comments as a single submission.
The Friends of Gold Butte submitted substantive comments to defend the National Monument designation for the area and comments collected from supporters.
“We oppose any change to the national monument designation for Gold Butte,” said Jaina Moan, executive director of Friends of Gold Butte. “Southern Nevadans asked our leaders to protect Gold Butte for over 15 years. We are grateful that the land finally has the protections it needs and deserves.”
The deadline for comment coincided with the 2nd anniversary of Basin and Range National Monument. Both monuments were created by Presidential Proclamation using the Antiquities Act. Supporters of both Monuments included tribes, businesses, community organizations and thousands of residents who live in the surrounding communities.
“The significance of Gold Butte and Basin and Range to our Nuwuvi culture cannot be understated,” said Fawn Douglas, a local artist and member of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe. “Gold Butte is the ancestral home of the Southern Paiute people and remains a traditional lifeway for our tribal members.”
The deadline for the Department of Interior to complete their final report is August 24, 2016.
The Friends of Gold Butte is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization working to promote the responsible enjoyment of Gold Butte National Monument through education, advocacy, stewardship and the preservation of natural and cultural resources.
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