Udall says no Vermillion plan

RBC I U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, chairman of the U.S. Senate National Parks Subcommittee, confirmed Friday that the Obama administration is not considering an Antiquities Act designation for the Vermillion Basin in Moffatt County.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell confirmed this fact during a meeting with Udall.
“Secretary Jewell confirmed for me … that the Vermillion Basin is not in line for a national monument designation through the Antiquities Act,” Udall said.
“When exercised in close consultation with the local community, the Antiquities Act is an important tool that has been used throughout Colorado’s history to preserve and protect many of the iconic public lands that strengthen our special way of life and support our outdoor-recreation economy,” he said. “That said, I am glad Secretary Jewell has rebutted the rumors some lawmakers have used to create uncertainty for the residents of northwest Colorado.”