Three Historic Land Protection Events Happened This Month
Bear Ears National Monument via pabrady63, stock.adobe.com
In October 2021 three major events changed the way certain areas of the United States are protected. From local Indigenous communities, to the United States Government, various organizations have secured greater protections for at least 5 areas of wilderness in the country this month. These events will benefit the environment, area wildlife, Indigenous communities, and people who love to recreate in pristine places.
9,243 Acres in Washington State Signed Over to Local Tribe for Conservation and Stewardship
On October 7, 2021 Conservation Northwest purchased of 9,243 acres in Okanogan County from Figlenski Ranches, a family cattle ranch that has operated on the land since 1904. The deed was transferred directly to the Colville Confederated Tribes. The area was a part of the original Colville Reservation until it was shrunk by Congress in 1892.
The Colville Tribes have committed to stewardship and conservation of the lands, which are important for many species of wildlife.
Sweetwater Lake to Become Colorado’s 43rd State Park
Facilitated and championed by many local groups, Sweetwater Lake was purchased by the Conservation Fund and eventually acquired by White River National Forest in August of 2021. On October 20, 2021 Governor Jared Polis announced plans to make the area Colorado’s 43rd State Park.
Sitting on 488 acres in Garfield County Colorado, the lands surrounding Sweetwater Lake were previously privately owned and many investors and developers are reported to have been interested in purchasing the land. This acquisition is a major win for land conservation and recreationists alike.
Protections for Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monuments Restored
President Biden has signed a proclamation to restore protections on three public land areas. These protections help preserve plant and animal life as well the sacred lands of the local Tribal Nations. Many people are celebrating this as a win for Indigenous communities, others are reacting to the news with a little more caution.
