Trump's Impact on National Parks, Monuments, and Wildernesses

Throughout his presidency, President Donald Trump made significant changes to the management, classification, and protection of national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas. While some actions were aimed at promoting conservation and stewardship, others were controversial and seen as efforts to weaken environmental protections. This article explores the changes made during Trump's tenure and their implications for future policy.

New Designations Under Trump

Despite efforts from opponents, Trump made several new designations that have had notable impacts:

National Parks

Three new national parks were added during Trump's presidency:

Gateway Arch National Park: Established in 2018, this park combines the Hannibal Crossing and St. Louis Landing units of Gateway Arch National Park to improve accessibility and resource management. Indiana Dunes National Park: Formed from the existing Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, this park enhances ecological and recreational opportunities in the region. White Sands National Park: Also established from the existing White Sands National Monument, this designation further protects the unique landforms of the region.

New Wilderness Areas

Between 2017 and 2020, 37 new wilderness areas were designated, a significant increase compared to President Obama's administration, which took eight years to designate 45 new wilderness areas:

Archbold Central Florida Preserve: Designated in 2020 to protect a critical piece of the Florida ecosystem. Chadwick Scenic Area: Located in Montana, this area was designated in 2018 and includes stunning mountain and forest landscapes. Escalante Badlands Wilderness: Also designated in 2018, this area in Utah protects unique geological formations.

New National Monuments

Trump designated seven new national monuments during his presidency:

Sacajawea National Monument: In Idaho, this monument protects the historic site of Sacajawea's crossing of the Rocky Mountains. Vehicular Access Ban at Devils Tower National Monument: Established in 2017, this ban enhances the protection of the monument's cultural and natural resources. Puquio National Monument: Designated in 2020 in New Mexico, this monument protects the unique playa lakes.

Recent Developments

Several recent developments during the Trump administration highlight ongoing efforts to manage and protect these areas:

Land Acquisition in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

The federal government is acquiring land in Colorado from private owners, with the intention of adding it to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. However, this process is being dealt with carefully to ensure that relevant legalities and encumbrances are resolved.

Accounting Regulation Changes

Changes to accounting regulations now allow the National Park Service (NPS) to use other funds to keep the parks open during government shutdowns, ensuring that visitors and resources are not disrupted.

Great American Outdoors Act

The Great American Outdoors Act is currently working its way through Congress. If signed into law, this bill will significantly increase funding for national park maintenance and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). It is important to note that former President Biden’s website claims he intends to reduce funding to the LWCF by ending gas and oil leases on federal lands, which would reduce the revenue for the lwcf.

Controversies and Criticisms

While Trump made these designations, critics argue that his approach to national parks and monuments was inconsistent and often controversial:

OBJECTION TO PROTECTION: Some critics argue that Trump often objected to protective measures, aiming to reduce federal restrictions on land use. For example, in 2018, Trump allowed gun use in Alaska and removed federal protections for natural areas in Utah, allowing mining.

FINANCIAL CONCERNS: Trump also faced criticism for not adequately funding the maintenance and preservation of national parks, leading to concerns about the long-term sustainability of these areas.

Conclusion

While Trump made several new designations of national parks, monuments, and wilderness areas, the overall impact of his presidency on these protected areas was marked by both progress and controversy. As the debate over the future of America's natural resources continues, understanding the actions taken during Trump's tenure is crucial for shaping future policy.