Marcia Simonis, archaeological educator

“Frankly, I was a little surprised that the administration thinks public lands are of no value to the public.”

DISPATCHES FROM MONUMENTAL AMERICA: A LISTENING TOUR Locals speak about the Trump administration’s review of Bears Ears National Monument and other monuments. Dig in to more stories here.

Marcia Simonis, an archaeological educator who has been part of the Bluff community for more than 30 years, said monument designation for Bears Ears was “long overdue.”

“In my experience over 30 years, more people are coming to this land,” she said. Speaking from the monument adjacent home that she shares with husband Don Simonis, a retired Bureau of Land Management Archaeologist, Simonis added, “That horse has left the barn.”

She said the artifacts inside Bears Ears National Monument need protections from vandals and looters — she has seen wind chimes built from shards of stolen pottery. In addition to respect for the past, these artifacts need protection to ensure that future visitors can continue having the experience of feeling like “going through a time machine.”

And that they may ponder the implications of discovering remains of vanished civilizations.

“Archaeology helps tell a story, and the people who were living here, what is their story?” she said. “What are they trying to say? What are they trying to tell us?”

VIDEO: Marcia Simonis speaks about the Trump administration’s review of Bears Ears