ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 8947ProclamationObama · D

Proclamation 8947

Establishment of the San Juan Islands National Monument

Energy & EnvironmentEnergy & EnvironmentDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

President Obama established the San Juan Islands National Monument under the Antiquities Act, withdrawing approximately 970 acres of BLM-administered federal lands in Washington State's Puget Sound from development, mining, and mineral leasing. The proclamation mandates BLM management through the National Landscape Conservation System, requires a management plan and advisory committee, restricts motorized vehicle use to designated roads, and protects tribal cultural and religious sites.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 18789

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 78 FR 18789

    Federal Register PDF

Key directives

  • Secretary shall manage monument through BLM as unit of National Landscape Conservation System
  • Secretary shall prepare and maintain management plan for monument
  • Secretary shall establish advisory committee under Federal Advisory Committee Act
  • Motorized vehicle use permitted only on designated roads (except emergency, law enforcement, administrative purposes)
  • Non-motorized mechanized vehicle use permitted only on designated roads and trails
  • Secretary shall consult with Indian tribes to protect religious and cultural sites and provide access for traditional uses
  • Secretary may acquire non-federal lands within monument boundaries for inclusion

Who is ordered

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

  • National Monument establishment effective upon proclamation
  • Federal lands withdrawn from entry, location, sale, leasing, mining, and mineral/geothermal leasing
  • Restrictions on motorized and non-motorized mechanized vehicle use take effect

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary to establish advisory committee under Federal Advisory Committee Act
  • BLM to begin management plan preparation

Long term

  • Management plan completion and implementation
  • Potential acquisition of non-federal lands for inclusion in monument
  • Ongoing protection and restoration of scientific and historic objects

Risks & tensions

  • Potential tension between conservation restrictions and existing recreational or commercial uses
  • Tribal consultation requirements may create implementation complexity
  • Vague timeline for management plan completion creates uncertainty
  • Dominant reservation clause may conflict with prior withdrawals or reservations
Proclamation 8947: Establishment of the San Juan Islands National Monument · Executive Orders