National monument (United States)

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== National Monument (United States) ==

A National Monument in the United States is a protected area that is similar to a National Park, but can be created from any land owned or controlled by the federal government by proclamation of the President of the United States. National Monuments can also be established by an act of Congress. The purpose of a National Monument is to protect significant natural, cultural, or scientific features.

History

The concept of National Monuments was established by the Antiquities Act of 1906, which was signed into law by President Theodore Roosevelt. The first National Monument designated under this act was Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.

Designation

National Monuments can be designated by the President through the Antiquities Act or by Congress through legislation. The President's authority to designate National Monuments has been used to protect a wide variety of natural and historical sites, including Grand Canyon, which was initially designated as a National Monument before becoming a National Park.

Management

National Monuments are managed by various federal agencies, including the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The managing agency is responsible for preserving the monument's resources and providing for public enjoyment.

Examples of National Monuments

• Statue of Liberty National Monument
• Bears Ears National Monument
• Canyon de Chelly National Monument
• Muir Woods National Monument
• Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument

Controversies

The designation and management of National Monuments have sometimes been controversial. Issues often arise over land use, resource extraction, and the extent of federal control. For example, the designation of Bears Ears National Monument in 2016 and its subsequent reduction in size by the Trump administration in 2017 sparked significant debate and legal challenges.

See Also

• National Park Service
• National Historic Landmark
• National Wildlife Refuge
• United States Forest Service
• Bureau of Land Management