FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATION OF IDAHO’S REPRESENTATIVES, DOI WILL MAKE NO MODIFICATIONS TO CRATERS OF THE MOON NATIONAL MONUMENT

Washington, D.C. – After a nearly eight-month review of National Monument designations under the Antiquities Act, U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo and U.S. Representative Mike Simpson today applauded the Department of Interior’s (DOI) decision to follow the delegation’s recommendation to make no modifications to Craters of the Moon National Monument.

"The monument review was about hearing local voices and the people of Idaho, along with Senator Risch, Senator Crapo and Congressman Simpson made it clear where they stand,” said Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. “I'm grateful for their continued participation in the review and look forward to visiting Idaho again sometime soon."

“I have long held that state Governors and Legislators should have substantial input in the monument review process - not bureaucrats who live on the banks of the Potomac,” said Senator Risch. “I was pleased that DOI followed the delegation’s unanimous recommendation to make no modifications to Craters of the Moon.”

 “Effective federal land management decisions require meaningful input from the local stakeholders that live, work and depend on those lands in order to foster both acceptable natural resource protections as well as resilient, self-sustaining economies in our rural communities,” said Senator Crapo. “ The Department of the Interior has made the right decision to honor the input and feedback from Idaho’s communities in not modifying Craters of the Moon.”

“I applaud the Department of the Interior for honoring the local consensus Idahoans have created with Craters of the Moon,” said Congressman Simpson. “I worked with a diverse group of stakeholders over ten years ago to ensure Craters reflects Idaho values and can be enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts. I am grateful Idahoans voices were heard and that this review reflects our local solution.”