3/29/2002
1097
BILL INTRODUCED THAT UNDERMINES AZ'S AGUA FRIA MONUMENT
A bill introduced on 3-21-02
by Congressman Bob Stump (H.R.4076), would destroy protections for Arizona's
Agua Fria Monument, re-authorize use to include mining and development, and
undermine Presidential authority to create or expand monuments.
The monument's 450 prehistoric
cultural sites, grasslands, riparian forests and Agua Fria River, rich with
sensitive species, would be threatened by the opening of all "trails"
to vehicle travel for "any purpose." Livestock removal would be prohibited,
and, contrary to the Antiquities Act and original proclamation, ranching would
be listed as monument values. Current water rights that maintain the flow of
the Agua Fria River would be given away, and the size of the monument reduced
for freeway expansion and development.
This bill goes against
most Arizonan's interests: 75% support Agua Fria and Arizona's new monuments,
and 71% oppose removing monument lands and allowing mining and development.
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