Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Modifies Two National Monuments, Restoring Sensible Land Management

7/13/2026

Fact Sheets

View Original

Action Summary

Right-Sizing Utah National Monuments:
- Modified Bears Ears National Monument reduced from ~1.36 million acres to ~121,100 acres.
- Modified Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument reduced from ~1.87 million acres to ~181,500 acres.
- Protected landmarks, structures, and scientifically important objects remain safeguarded while surrounding areas become available for multiple-use management.
Fighting Government Overreach on Public Land:
- Addresses misuse of the Antiquities Act where its definition of “objects of historic or scientific interest” had been expanded to include broad landscape and non-specific features.
- Restores public access and traditional multiple-use activities on lands previously restricted under the Act.
Restoring Multiple-Use Land Management:
- Reinstates public access for activities such as grazing, timber harvest, fishing, hunting, resource development, infrastructure upgrades, and motorized recreation.
- Builds on previous initiatives including the Great American Outdoors Act, Executive Order to Unleash American Energy, and establishment of the Make America Beautiful Again Commission.
- Rescinds outdated directives (EO 11644 and EO 11989) regulating off-road vehicle use and the BLM Public Lands Rule to balance federal land management with local decision-making and energy development.

Risks & Considerations

The modification of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments could lead to increased land use activities such as grazing, timber harvesting, and resource extraction. This shift may impact environmental sustainability and conservation efforts, potentially leading to ecological degradation in the areas that were previously protected.
By reducing the size of these national monuments, there is a risk that important cultural and historical sites may become vulnerable to exploitation. This could lead to loss of heritage and diminish the educational value these sites provide to institutions like Vanderbilt University.
The emphasis on multiple-use land management may create tensions between conservationists and those advocating for resource extraction. This conflict could affect Vanderbilt’s partnerships with environmental organizations and may lead to reputational risks if the university is perceived as taking sides.
As a research institution, Vanderbilt may need to adapt its environmental and land management studies to address the implications of these changes. This could require shifts in funding and research focus, impacting existing programs.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program may see increased demand for research on the ecological impacts of land use changes and resource extraction, requiring new collaborations with federal and state agencies.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development could be involved in community outreach and education initiatives aimed at promoting awareness about conservation and sustainable land management practices in the context of the monument modifications.
Vanderbilt’s Law School may find opportunities to engage in legal discussions surrounding land use rights, conservation law, and the implications of executive orders on environmental policy.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a vital role in fostering discussions between stakeholders affected by these changes, ensuring that community voices are heard in the decision-making process regarding land management.

Financial Impact

The shift towards a more extractive approach to land management may lead to changes in federal funding priorities, potentially affecting grant opportunities for research related to conservation and environmental sustainability.
Vanderbilt could experience fluctuations in student enrollment from programs focused on environmental studies due to the changing landscape of land use policies, which may impact tuition revenue.
Increased collaboration with state and federal agencies on land management research may open new funding avenues, but also require careful navigation of compliance and regulatory requirements.
As natural resources become more accessible, there may be a rise in partnerships with industry stakeholders, which could lead to both funding opportunities and ethical considerations regarding the university’s research integrity.

Relevance Score: 4

Key Actions

The Office of Federal Relations should closely monitor the implications of President Trump’s modifications to national monuments, particularly regarding access to federal lands for educational and research activities. Understanding how these changes might affect environmental policies and federal funding opportunities will be crucial for planning and advocacy.
The Department of Environmental Studies should assess the potential impacts of rightsizing the national monuments on research opportunities related to land use and conservation. Engaging in conversations with federal agencies about sustainable practices could align Vanderbilt’s research agendas with emerging federal priorities.
Vanderbilt’s School of Law should prepare to address potential legal challenges stemming from the changes to monument designations. Legal faculty could offer expertise in land management law, which may be valuable in navigating disputes or advocating for conservation efforts.
The Office of Sustainability should evaluate how these land management changes could affect local ecosystems and conservation goals. Developing initiatives that align with federal conservation efforts may provide opportunities for collaboration and funding.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the broader implications of land use policy changes, particularly how they might affect community engagement and local economies. This research can guide discussions with policymakers and inform Vanderbilt’s strategic positioning in environmental issues.

Opportunities

The modifications to the national monuments present an opportunity for the Department of Environmental Studies to lead research initiatives focused on sustainable land management practices. By aligning research with federal policy goals, Vanderbilt can enhance its visibility in environmental scholarship.
Vanderbilt can leverage the changes in national monument designations to expand partnerships with local and federal agencies for conservation projects. This could involve collaborative research efforts that provide mutual benefits, such as improved land management strategies.
The focus on multiple-use land management offers a chance for Vanderbilt’s School of Business to explore economic models that balance development and conservation. Developing curricula that address these complex issues can prepare students for leadership roles in sustainable business practices.
Engaging local communities in discussions about land use changes can enhance Vanderbilt’s community relations and public engagement efforts. Hosting forums or workshops may position the university as a leader in local environmental advocacy.

Relevance Score: 3

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

N/A (The text does not specify any deadlines or enforcement delays for the modifications to be implemented.)

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of the Interior: Oversees public lands and national monuments, and is directly involved in modifying land management policies as evidenced by its recent rescission of the BLM’s Public Lands Rule.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM): Directly impacted by the rescission of its Public Lands Rule, which relates to how federal lands are managed for multiple uses.
Make America Beautiful Again Commission: Established by a prior executive order, this commission is tasked with balancing conservation, economic growth, and streamlining administrative processes, thereby intersecting with the broader federal land management reforms.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three key agencies are directly or indirectly affected by the executive actions.)

Responsible Officials

President Donald J. Trump – He issued the proclamations and executive orders directing the resizing of national monuments and the rollback of restrictive land use policies.
Department of the Interior – Tasked with executing the directives related to modifying monument boundaries and restoring multiple-use land management, including rescinding legacy rules.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Affected by the rescission of its Public Lands Rule, it will play a role in implementing the revised land use policies.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives issued at the highest executive levels, involving the President and key federal agencies responsible for land management).