This contested land The storied past and uncertain future of America's national monuments

Unlike national parks, which must be approved by Congress, national monuments can be designated by any sitting president. This engaging book covers the history of national monuments, explaining the processes, legalities, and accompanying controversies often involved in proclaiming public lands protected areas. Thirteen major monuments created over the past few decades come under scrutiny as author Long, an outdoor adventure journalist, tells their stories, weaving in history, flora and fauna, Indigenous cultures, natural resources, legal wranglings, and profiles of major players: conservationists, activists, farmers and ranchers, politicians, lobbyists, developers, hikers, climbers, and skiers. Long's reporting is balanced, and her accounts are comprehensive, but the passages detailing her passion for these national treasures and for preserving and protecting them are the book's most compelling parts. A great storyteller, she has a knack for weaving in personal anecdotes and telling details, helping readers appreciate both the beauty of these monuments and the challenges they face. She ends on a positive note, proclaiming her "love and hope for this contested land." Her enthusiasm just may prove contagious.