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Trump plans to shrink size of Utah national monuments

Trump plans to shrink size of Utah national monuments
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(CNN) - President Donald Trump plans to shrink two national monuments in Utah.

He spoke by phone with the state's senator, Orrin Hatch, Friday morning.

Trump said he plans to accept a recommendation to reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.

Earlier this year, Trump initiated a review of more than 24 national monuments created by presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

Bears Ears was made a national monument in 2016.

It currently covers 1.3 million acres and boasts ancient cliff dwellings, world-class rock climbing and land sacred to the indigenous Pueblo people.

Outdoor advocates and environmental groups immediately protested the announcement, and said they will sue the federal government if the park is reduced in size.

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