Bend, Ore., December 29, 2016 – Outdoor Alliance, The Conservation Alliance, and Outdoor Industry Association applaud President Obama’s designation of the Bears Ears National Monument. The newly created monument provides recreation access so that the public can enjoy outstanding opportunities to experience a unique landscape.

 The Bears Ears region of southeastern Utah is a world-class destination for outdoor recreation. Besides being home to several premier national parks, such as Arches and Canyonlands, the Bears Ears region boasts world-class rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, canyoneering, whitewater paddling, and skiing. The region is also home to thousands of cultural resource sites and is sacred to Native American Tribes. However, for many years, the exceptional Bears Ears landscape has weathered on-going impacts from resource extraction and irresponsible public use, especially the looting of cultural sites.

 The many internationally renowned recreation opportunities at Bears Ears National Monument support Utah's booming recreation economy. Protecting the integrity of southeastern Utah's recreation resources is fundamental to ensuring a bright future for the growing recreation industry. Thanks to President Obama’s proclamation, this unique landscape will remain permanently protected.

 For additional information, please contact:

 Adam Cramer, Outdoor Alliance; [email protected]

Amy Roberts, Outdoor Industry Association; [email protected]

John Sterling, The Conservation Alliance; [email protected]