Tribes decry proposal for co-management of Utah monument

AP Photo/Rick Bowmer

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump’s decision to drastically reduce and break up a national monument in Utah wasn’t the only blow Native American tribes say they were dealt last week.

The proclamation Trump signed changes the makeup of a tribal advisory commission for Bears Ears National Monument. It adds a San Juan County, Utah, commissioner who supported peeling back protections for the land.

The new commissioner, now Rebecca Benally, joins representatives of five tribes, serving as a planted ally of the reduction.

Federal legislation also would create tribal co-management councils. The proposal by Utah Republican Rep. John Curtis excludes tribes outside Utah and lets the president hand-select most members.

The Utah congressional delegation sees the changes as unifying forces.

Tribes say they’re yet more examples of being told what’s good for them.