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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell will visit Utah on July 16 for a public meeting to discuss conservation proposals that include a plan backed by a Tribal coalition and environmentalist to create a new national monument.
Interior spokeswoman Jessica Kershaw said Friday by email that Jewell will meet with community members and local leaders about how to ensure public lands are "benefiting all Americans."
She said the time and location will be announced next week.
Proponents of the proposed 1.9-million acre Bears Ears National Monument in southeastern Utah say ancient artifacts and sacred lands need protection from looting and development.
Utah's top Republican leaders oppose the designation and back a plan set to be introduced in Congress next week that would protect parts of the Bears Ears area and other lands while opening up some lands for recreation and oil and gas development.
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