Oppose the Maah Daah Hey National Monument Proposal
The Maah Daah Hey National Monument proposal aims to designate nearly 140,000 acres of public land in western North Dakota as a national monument. This sweeping designation would include parts of the Little Missouri National Grasslands, sections of the Maah Daah Hey Trail, and surrounding areas within the rugged Badlands region. Known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and historical significance, this area has long been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, ranchers, and local communities.
The proposed Maah Daah Hey National Monument lies in the heart of North Dakota’s Badlands, extending across portions of the Little Missouri National Grasslands. The area is named after the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a 144-mile non-motorized trail that attracts hikers, bikers, and horseback riders from around the country. The region also has a rich cultural history, with ties to Native American tribes, early settlers, and its role in Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation legacy.
The monument proposal stems from efforts to protect the area’s natural and cultural resources, but it is also a direct response to increasing oil and gas activity. Proponents argue that the designation would prevent industrial encroachment and preserve the land’s scenic and recreational values.
Reasons to Oppose the Maah Daah Hey National Monument
- Loss of Public Access for Motorized Recreation
National monument designations often come with strict management policies, including closures of motorized routes. Many roads and trails currently enjoyed by off-highway vehicle (OHV) users and ranchers for land management could be permanently closed, reducing access to this iconic landscape. Much of this area is already managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a roadless area, but the rule that authorized the roadless designation is one that is likely to be challenged after the reversal of Chevron Deference. - Economic Harm to Local Communities
Restricting access and multiple-use activities, such as grazing and oil exploration, would hurt the local economy. The Badlands region relies on a delicate balance of recreation, agriculture, and responsible resource development, all of which contribute to jobs and tax revenue for surrounding communities. - Redundant Protections
The Little Missouri National Grasslands and surrounding areas are already managed under federal conservation laws, ensuring protections for wildlife, ecosystems, cultural resources, and recreational opportunities. A national monument designation adds unnecessary layers of federal bureaucracy without tangible benefits. - Impact on Local Land Users
Ranchers who have worked this land for generations could face additional restrictions on grazing, threatening their livelihoods and the region’s ranching heritage. Additionally, hunters, fishers, and other recreationists may lose traditional access points critical to their activities. - Lack of Local Input and Oversight
National monument designations under the Antiquities Act are unilateral decisions made by the President, bypassing Congress and local stakeholders. This process often excludes the voices of those most directly affected by the decision—residents, ranchers, and recreationists who have a deep connection to the land. Proposals to designate these areas as wilderness have been introduced in the past and have failed to gain popular enough support to become law.
