Modifying the Bears Ears National Monument

7/13/2026

Proclamations

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Action Summary

Monument Revision: Modifies the boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument, reducing the reservation to approximately 121,096 acres divided into the Shash Jáa Unit and the Indian Creek Unit.
Legal and Statutory Rationale: Cites the Antiquities Act and argues that previous proclamations (9558, 9681, and 10285) included lands that do not meet the strict criteria for historic or scientific interest; emphasizes the requirement for the “smallest area compatible” with proper care.
Protected Resources and Cultural Heritage: Explains that many of the generic landscapes and widespread cultural resources (e.g., lithic scatters, petroglyphs) do not warrant the expansive boundaries previously designated. The Shash Jáa Unit contains significant geological, archaeological, and paleontological features including sacred landmarks, prehistoric sites, and historic structures, while the Indian Creek Unit preserves dinosaur tracks and distinguished petroglyphs.
Resource Development and National Security: Highlights the need to unburden public lands to allow higher-priority uses, such as accessing critical minerals (silver, copper, uranium, etc.) essential for energy and national security, reducing U.S. reliance on foreign resources.
Management and Regulatory Adjustments: Directs the BLM and USFS to develop a joint management plan that ensures proper care of the designated objects. This includes provisions for public involvement, consultation with Tribal Nations and local governments, and adjustments for transportation planning, ecological restoration, and livestock grazing management.
Institutional Changes: Disbands the Bears Ears Commission (BEC) and revises the advisory committee under Proclamation 9558 to ensure balanced stakeholder representation.
Implementation Provisions: Establishes that, 60 days after the proclamation, lands excluded from the modified boundaries will be open for public land laws, mineral leasing, and mining activities, with no preemptive appropriation under mining laws.

Risks & Considerations

The modification of the Bears Ears National Monument by the current administration poses a risk of reduced federal protections for cultural and historical sites, which could lead to increased development and resource extraction activities in the area. This may diminish the historical and scientific value of the region, impacting the university’s research potential in environmental and cultural studies.
This proclamation could create tensions between the federal government and local Native American tribes. The disbandment of the Bears Ears Commission might limit indigenous voices in the management of sacred lands, potentially leading to conflicts or legal challenges that could affect the university’s relations with these communities.
The emphasis on resource extraction, including critical minerals for economic growth, may conflict with environmental sustainability goals. This could impact research initiatives and partnerships focused on conservation and environmental protection, as the university may need to navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Changes in land management policies may affect the university’s outdoor programs and research efforts in environmental science and archaeology, particularly if access to research sites becomes restricted or if funding for such research is diverted towards economic development.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental Science Program may face challenges in conducting field research if access to protected areas is altered or if new regulations hinder environmental studies in the region.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development might need to adapt curriculum and research initiatives to include the socio-political dynamics of land management and indigenous rights in education.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with Native American communities could be strained, complicating collaborative projects on cultural heritage and environmental stewardship.

Financial Impact

The reallocation of land use could shift federal funding priorities, potentially impacting grants and financial support for research initiatives focused on the preservation of cultural and historical sites.
Increased resource extraction activities could lead to economic opportunities, yet they may also create competition for grants aimed at environmental protection and historical preservation, necessitating a reevaluation of funding strategies.
Potential legal disputes arising from the modifications may incur legal costs and divert university resources away from research initiatives.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents high risks involving security and major transformations in land use and management.)

Key Actions

The Office of Federal Relations should analyze the implications of the modified Bears Ears National Monument boundaries on federal land management and potential resource extraction opportunities. Understanding how these changes impact land use policies will be crucial for aligning Vanderbilt’s research and advocacy efforts with national priorities.
The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences should engage in research on the geological and ecological aspects of the Bears Ears region. This research can provide insights into resource management and conservation strategies that align with federal policies, potentially positioning Vanderbilt as a leader in environmental policy analysis.
Vanderbilt’s Environmental Law Clinic could offer legal expertise to address the complexities of land use and conservation in light of the new proclamation. By providing legal guidance to stakeholders affected by the boundary modifications, the clinic can enhance its role as a resource for environmental advocacy.
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development should explore educational programs that focus on the cultural and historical significance of the Bears Ears region. This initiative can foster community engagement and enhance Vanderbilt’s reputation in education and cultural studies.
The Department of Political Science should conduct a policy analysis on the implications of the proclamation for local communities and indigenous tribes. Understanding the socio-political dynamics will be essential for informing policy recommendations and fostering collaboration with affected stakeholders.

Opportunities

The executive order provides an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy to advocate for sustainable resource management practices in federally managed lands. By engaging with policymakers, the center can influence discussions around resource independence and environmental protections.
Vanderbilt can enhance its partnerships with local tribes and communities by supporting initiatives that promote cultural preservation and environmental stewardship in the Bears Ears area. This collaboration can strengthen Vanderbilt’s ties to indigenous communities and promote educational outreach.
The emphasis on resource management presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Sustainable Urban Development program to research innovative solutions for balancing environmental conservation with resource extraction. This research can contribute to national conversations on sustainable development.
By hosting forums and discussions on the implications of the proclamation, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in environmental policy and land use management. Engaging with experts and stakeholders can enhance the university’s visibility and influence in this field.
The modifications to the monument could lead to new research funding opportunities in environmental science and public policy, allowing Vanderbilt to expand its research initiatives and attract top talent in these fields.

Relevance Score: 4 (The changes to the monument require major process adjustments for Vanderbilt’s engagement strategies and advocacy efforts.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

At 9:00 a.m. EDT, 60 days after the proclamation date (July 13, 2026), i.e., on or about September 11, 2026.

Relevance Score: 3

Impacted Government Organizations

Bureau of Land Management (BLM): As part of the Department of the Interior, the BLM is a primary agency responsible for managing many of the lands within the Bears Ears National Monument, including its reconfigured boundaries and management plans.
United States Forest Service (USFS): Operating under the Department of Agriculture, the USFS co-manages the Monument’s National Forest System lands and is central to executing the modifications outlined in the proclamation.
National Park Service (NPS): Although not directly tasked with management, the NPS is required to be consulted during the development of management plans for the Monument, impacting its advisory role.
Bears Ears Commission (BEC): This commission, originally established to provide guidance on the Monument’s management, is disbanded by the proclamation, thereby altering its operational role.
Monument Advisory Committee: The advisory committee initially set up under the Federal Advisory Committee Act is revised to ensure balanced stakeholder representation, affecting its composition and function in advising on Monument management.

Relevance Score: 2 (3-5 federal organizations are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of the Interior – Tasked with jointly developing and implementing the new management plan for the revised Monument boundaries, including coordinating with the Bureau of Land Management, other Federal agencies, and Tribes for proper land management and public involvement.
Secretary of Agriculture – Charged with co-developing and executing the management plan, including the preparation of a new transportation plan for National Forest System lands and ensuring that regulations governing these lands align with the objectives of proper care and management.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet-level officials responsible for high-stakes national land management and policy implementation.)