Our National Monuments

With the stroke of a pen, the president of the United States canproclaim a national monument. The Antiquities Act of 1906was enacted to provide an expedited means to protect areas ofnatural or cultural significance. Since then, 16 presidents have used the Act topreserve some of America' most treasured public lands and waters. In 2017,an unprecedented executive order was issued questioning these designationsby calling for the review of 27 national monuments across 11 states and...
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With the stroke of a pen, the president of the United States canproclaim a national monument. The Antiquities Act of 1906was enacted to provide an expedited means to protect areas ofnatural or cultural significance. Since then, 16 presidents have used the Act topreserve some of America' most treasured public lands and waters. In 2017,an unprecedented executive order was issued questioning these designationsby calling for the review of 27 national monuments across 11 states and twooceans, opening the threat of development to vulnerable and irreplaceablenatural resources.

Our National Monuments, the first book of its kind, introduces thesespectacular and unique landscapes at risk from the review. From the north woods of Maine to thecactus-filled deserts of Arizona, those national monuments include vastlands rivaling the national parks in beauty, diversity, and historical heritage.The critically important landscapes are often under the radar, with limitedvisitor information available, yet offer considerable opportunities for solitudeand adventure compared to bustling national parks.

QT Luong - of the most prolific photographers working in America'spublic lands and author of the best-selling and acclaimed photography bookabout the national parks, Treasured Lands - hiked and camped in the 22 land-basednational monuments under review, aiming his lens at the grand vistas,archaeological wonders, and hidden delights along the way. Accompanyingthe collection of 300 scenic photographs is an invaluable guide that includes maps,descriptions of the author's wide-ranging explorations and highlights for eachof the monuments. Introductory essays from leaders and activists of 27 conservation associations provide the perspective of citizens caring for each of these national treasures.A foreword by former Secretary of the Interior SallyJewell, as well as photographs of marine national monuments from AnselAdams award-winning photographer Ian Shive round out this comprehensiveportrayal of America's hidden gems.

Our National Monuments invites readers to experience for themselves theselands and learn about the people and cultures who came before- for whom these sites remain sacred places - with a renewed understanding ofhow these essential landscapes are preserving America's past and shaping its future.