Summary:
- Farmers and ranchers express concerns over the designation of a national monument around the Grand Canyon.
- CEO of Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, Bill Bashaw, skeptical about the assurance of respecting existing grazing permits.
- Lack of public input and potential barriers to access and maintenance of infrastructure are key concerns.
- Bashaw commits to continued advocacy to ensure administration honors its commitments.
- Official statements from BLM and White House pending approval, as farmers and ranchers remain cautious.
Backlash continues after President Joe Biden's designation of a national monument around the Grand Canyon, with farmers and ranchers expressing concerns about grazing rights and access to the land.
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**Farmers and Ranchers Concerns**
Farmers and ranchers are worried about the recent designation of a national monument surrounding the Grand Canyon by President Joe Biden. This designation is aimed at protecting nearly a million acres of land that hold cultural significance for tribal nations.
**Grazing Permits and Concerns**
Bill Bashaw, CEO of the Arizona Farm Bureau Federation, expresses concern about the impact of the monument designation on existing grazing permits for cattle. While the administration assures that these permits will be respected, Bashaw remains skeptical and believes it might affect their ability to fully utilize and manage the land.
**Public Input and Access**
Farmers and ranchers are dissatisfied with the lack of public input in the monument designation process. Bashaw highlights the need for ongoing access and maintenance of infrastructure like roads and pipelines, crucial for their livelihood and conservation efforts.
**Voice of Concerns**
Bashaw pledges to continue voicing concerns throughout the management planning process to ensure that the administration upholds its commitments to farmers and ranchers.
**Official Statements Awaited**
Efforts to obtain official statements from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the White House regarding the concerns have so far been unsuccessful. The BLM is awaiting approval from the White House to provide a statement.
Farmers and ranchers near the Grand Canyon monument remain wary of the potential impact on their grazing rights and access to essential infrastructure.