BY JOHN RUPLE
It has been said that "we are entitled to our opinions, just not our own facts." Recent debate over the Public Lands Initiative and Bears Ears National Monument proposal makes this a good time to review the facts about national monument designations.
For 110 years, the Antiquities Act has empowered presidents to protect lands having historic or scientific interest. Indeed, 15 of the last 19 presidents, Republicans and Democrats alike, have designated national monuments. Grand Canyon, Capitol Reef and Arches national parks all began as national monuments.