In 1904, the National Geographic Magazine publicized the park's bridges and the area was designated a National Monument April 16, 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt. It is Utah's first National Monument.

Natural Bridges is a small place. Many visitors drive the short loop, get out and look over the railings at the three featured bridges, Sipapu, Kachina and Owachomo, and drive on. Some venture down into the canyons. A few hike the main canyons. My most pleasurable time at Bridges has been in exploring the side canyons and noticing the small features that are part of this watershed. Yet, it's impossible to ignore the bridges, among the largest in North America.

Bridges is a place where not enough land is protected. It is surrounded on all sides by BLM land and heavy cattle use. Some of the most striking ruins are in unprotected side canyons.

I hope that those of you enjoy our natural landscapes will join or donate to the conservation organizations that are acting now to secure protection for scenic places for future generations. Our grandchildren will need these places even more than we do--the places are rapidly falling under what has been called 'the relentless plow of development'. As important, the wildlife for whom we act as stewards depend on these nature reserves right now.

For more information, visit the Natural Bridgs National Monument Website.