Much of the land in those National Monuments was already managed by federal land agencies prior to becoming a National Monument, and it is slated to return to BLM and USFS control now. Also, the creation of a National Monument brings a deluge of tourists and requires building visitors centers, roads, parking lots and other tourist oriented features. While there has been a huge outcry recently about reducing the size of several National Monuments, in our experience, RV boondocking is generally not allowed on National Monument property. Is that an appropriate use of National Forest “public” land? – Private Italian owned commercial developments have taken place in the National Forest just outside Grand Canyon National Park. What is Happening to our Public Land? – Changes at the Grand Canyon.Surprisingly, after 50 years of national debate about this land (including a decree by President Eisenhower that it never be mined), it was given away to foreigners rather than sold to an American corporation at a massive profit - with huge royalties on extraction - as it could have been. – The 2015 Defense Bill under Obama gave away the world’s largest copper vein (in Arizona) to British/Australian mining interests. Copper Mining (NOT CAMPING!) at Tonto National Forest.Some shocking public land changes we have seen in our years of RVing full-time are described in these two blog posts: In every western state public land campgrounds and dispersed camping areas are closing at an alarming rate. If you are interested in boondocking, or simply camping in National Forest and BLM campgrounds, you’ll soon become aware of the complexities and political issues surrounding the management of America’s public land. Enjoy a stay of 14 days or less (sometimes 16 days) and then move on.Bury any human waste under at least 6″ of dirt.Pack out the trash you create (and don’t leave it in the fire ring).Observe fire restrictions (sometimes fires are not allowed due to the ease of starting a wildfire).
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