DE PERE, WI (WTAQ- WLUK) – The effects of a recent presidential proclamation reducing the protection level on two national monuments in Utah, are being felt in Northeast Wisconsin.
A professor at St. Norbert College says the move could put her research in jeopardy.
At a place in southern Utah called ‘The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument,’ St. Norbert College geology professor Rebecca McKean revealed a little piece of history with each deliberate stroke of the brush.
“To me, it’s just an absolutely incredible landscape with geology spanning millions and millions of years.”
Since 2010, McKean and dozens of her students used the land as part of their fossil-finding research.
But a presidential proclamation this week, could bring changes.
“The families and communities of Utah know and love this land the best. And you know how to take care of your land,” said President Donald Trump.
Trump’s executive order removed the protection status on parts of two of Utah’s National Monuments, leaving decisions how to manage and develop the land to the state.
“Your timeless bond with the outdoors should not be replaced with the whims and regulations of regulators thousands and thousands of miles away,” said Trump.
McKean says her field work will be affected.
“I’m upset about it, because it will have a great impact on my research. It will have a big impact on my research with students, unfortunately.”
McKean discovered a marine reptile at Grand Staircase-Escalante in 2012.
“This plesiosaur is 92.5 million years old.”
McKean is among 150 scientists from 19 states who signed a letter to the president supporting the monuments.
“I think that every American should be concerned about this, or at least aware of what’s happening. And that our public land, your public lands are the things that are being removed from protected status.”
The plan to shrink the Utah monuments is also being challenged in court, with multiple lawsuits having been filed.
Supporters of Trump’s move welcomed the fight, saying it will answer questions about presidential power involving the protection of land.
