Palaeontology and U.S. National Monuments - Implications for Science and Public Lands

Explore the intersection of palaeontology and U.S. public lands policy in this informative lecture by David Polly of Indiana University. Delve into the scientific significance of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments in Utah, renowned for their Mesozoic and late Palaeozoic research potential. Learn about groundbreaking discoveries made in these areas, understand the importance of U.S. public lands for scientific research, and examine the political controversies surrounding their downsizing and subsequent restoration. Gain insights into the unique status of National Monuments, the federal land system in the U.S., and the complex interplay of local politics, resource management, and Native American history that shapes these protected areas.

Introduction
Overview
Grand StaircaseEscalante
National Monuments
Bears Ears
Grand Staircase
What is a National Monument
Federal Land in the US
What is Unique About a National Monument
What is Cool About Grand Staircase Bears Ears
Fort McHenry National Monument
Grand StaircaseEscalante National Monument
Importance of Monument Status
Bears Ears National Monument
Map of sites
Why do these cutouts matter
Why did Mr Trump do this
Utah politics
Mormonism in Utah
The Bundy Standoff
Man Lavoy Finicum
Native American History
Resources
Grazing
Coal
Uranium
Rare Earth Elements
What Happened
Who Represents Us
Trumps Argument
Timeline