Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement in celebration of Basin and Range National Monument’s second anniversary:
“The vast expanse of Nevada’s Basin and Range is not only rich with archaeological history, but is a place for us to discover and appreciate the beauty of our public lands, and enjoy outdoor recreational activities with our families. Today, we celebrate two years since it was designated as a national monument under the Antiquities Act, allowing us to preserve thousands of years’ worth of our nation’s culture and heritage for generations to come. Nevada’s outdoor recreation economy has benefited from the protection of public lands, raking in $59.2 billion for the state annually and producing thousands of jobs for Nevadans – an economic boon especially in rural areas.
“Thanks to the Antiquities Act, we can continue our conservation efforts and defend Nevada’s cultural and historical legacy through the protection of sites like Basin and Range. As we celebrate the second anniversary of Basin and Range’s designation, I reaffirm my commitment to protecting our public lands and I urge the public to continue to speak out in support of Nevada’s national monuments.”
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