I stand behind the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition; federal, state, and local elected leaders; business owners; recreationists; hunters and anglers; veterans; conservation advocates and community members in asking the President to designate Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. 

At least 12 Tribes and Nations have cultural connections to the proposed monument (just over 1 million acres). This Indigenous-led proposal dates back decades to numerous efforts to permanently protect the Grand Canyon region from new uranium mining and other harmful development.

The proposed monument would protect important cultural sites for Indigenous communities and habitat for endangered species like California condors, Mexican spotted owls, and the Fickeisen plains cactus. A monument designation would also protect hundreds of seeps and springs and habitat for endangered wildlife from the toxic impacts of uranium mining. These seeps and springs feed tributary streams that support flows in the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

The Grand Canyon region provides opportunities for outdoor experiences and traditional uses of all types—from hiking, hunting, fishing, and camping to grazing and Tribal uses like plant and firewood gathering. A national monument would maintain these existing uses while protecting the region’s clean air, land, and water.

More than half of Arizonans participate in some kind of outdoor recreation. In 2022, outdoor activities in Arizona such as hiking, bicycling, boating, birdwatching, and rafting in places like the Grand Canyon region generated $3.3 billion in wages and salaries, $787 million in state and local revenues, and created 104,000 direct jobs. 

I urge President Biden to permanently protect the cultural heritage, incredible biodiversity, precious waters, and the vital economic engine of the Grand Canyon region by designating the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument now.