President Trump’s executive order that threatens the future of more than 50 national monuments directly challenges the worth of public lands around the country and especially here in the West.

As a longtime resident of southwest Colorado, I care deeply about the economic success of our region and the protection of our public lands and monuments. This order challenges the core values, cultural heritage and economy in Colorado and many other Western states.

One of 50 threatened areas listed in President Trump’s order is the Canyons of the Ancients near Mesa Verde. It has the highest known density of archaeological treasures in the U.S. and must be protected to prevent further looting of artifacts and desecration of the land.

The canyons and other area monuments received their special designations from former U.S. presidents using the Antiquities Act of 1906. Trump’s recent action could be the undoing of this 111-year-old law and of many local economies.

When an area is granted monument status, there’s no state or federal funding coming with that — but monuments become a stop on the tourist map where visitors spend money and create jobs. Areas near national monuments see economic growth, more jobs and increased personal income.

Read more at the Glenwood Springs Post Independent