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Trump signs order shrinking 2 Utah national monuments by 90%
By Nick Viviani at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· July 14, 2026
· 1 min read
President Donald Trump signed an order Monday drastically reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument. Combined, the lands will shrink by more than 90%, from more than three million acres to just over 300,000 acres, according to White House st...
Key takeaway Combined, the lands will shrink by more than 90%, from more than three million acres to just over 300,000 acres, according to White House statistics.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The decision to shrink Utah's national monuments has implications for Minnesota, where public land management and conservation are also pressing concerns. In the Twin Cities area, residents often look to the state's numerous parks and nature reserves for outdoor recreation, and many may be watching the Utah situation with interest. The reduction in size of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments raises questions about the balance between preserving natural and cultural resources, and allowing for economic development and resource extraction. As Minnesota's own public lands face similar debates, the Utah decision may inform local discussions about how to manage the state's natural areas, from the Mississippi River to the North Shore. Minnesotans who value conservation and outdoor recreation may be concerned about the potential for similar reductions in protected lands closer to home.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump signed an order Monday drastically reducing the size of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bears Ears National Monument. Combined, the lands will shrink by more than 90%, from more than three million acres to just over 300,000 acres, according to White House st...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Nick Viviani at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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