As far as some Nevada environmental groups are concerned, they’ve already won two battles to preserve what they consider sacred state land. They’ll wage another fight if necessary.

Their battle-ready attitude stems from an executive order President Donald Trump is expected to sign today that would trigger a review of national monument designations, including two in Nevada — Gold Butte and Basin and Range.

“He’s going to find a lot of resistance,” said Andy Maggi, executive director of the Nevada Conservation League. “Here in Nevada I feel confident we’ll be able to protect the places we’ve already protected once.”

Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke told reporters Tuesday that the executive order would direct him to review designations made under the Antiquities Act, which authorizes the president to declare historic landmarks and national monuments, and suggest legislative changes or modifications.  

The monuments subject to review and recommendations would be anything designated after Jan. 1, 1996, and more than 100,000 acres in size, he said. Zinke will give the president an interim report in 45 days and a final report within 120 days.

Zinke called the review “long overdue” and said members of Congress and state officials have complained that some monument designations led to job loss, reduced wages and restricted public access to the land.

“The policy is consistent with the president’s promise to give Americans a voice and make sure their voices are heard,” he said during a press briefing.

The executive order, Zinke said, does not strip any national monument of its designation but rather asks the Department of Interior to make recommendations about whether a monument should be rescinded, resized or modified.

The order comes after former President Barack Obama used his executive authority to create or expand 34 national monuments, setting a presidential record in the process. He designated more than 700,000 acres of wilderness at Basin and Range, located in Nye and Lincoln counties, a national monument in July 2015. And in the waning days of his presidency, he named Gold Butte — nearly 300,000 acres located an hour and a half northeast of Las Vegas — a national monument as well.

Both designations resulted in rebuke from Gov. Brian Sandoval, who called for a more collaborative process involving local stakeholders and the state’s Congressional delegation.

“I firmly believe our ranchers, environmentalists and community stakeholders are the best experts in ensuring Nevada’s lands are preserved, protected and accessible,” Sandoval said in a statement released Dec. 28 after the Gold Butte designation. “I also believe that with this designation comes duties, responsibilities and an expectation that the BLM will properly manage the area and commit the funds necessary to do so.”

A spokeswoman from the governor’s office said Sandoval is reviewing the proposed executive order and supports a fresh look at the process.

But local environmental groups paint a different picture of the land designations. They say the designations followed years of public outreach and efforts to protect land that has historic, cultural and recreational significance in Nevada.

Jaina Moan, executive director of a nonprofit called Friends of Gold Butte, said the area’s designation as a national monument had the support of the Mesquite City Council, members of the Moapa Paiutes, hundreds of community members who live nearby and “tens of thousands” of other people who signed petitions in favor of its protection.

“It’s baffling when the administration decides to waste its time doing something the American public has already spoken up about and says it supports,” she said. “It’s dismaying to see. It’s an assault on our nation’s historical, cultural and natural heritage.”

Gold Butte’s designation as a national monument has not restricted access to the area, she said. If anything, Moan said the designation piqued interest in the area, which boasts rugged mountains, Joshua trees and abundant wildlife, among other scenic features. Gold Butte draws visitors mostly for recreation purposes such as hiking, camping, hunting, horseback riding and photography.

Annette Magnus, executive director of Battle Born Progress, said supporters of Gold Butte and Basin and Range national monuments are urging the state’s elected officials to prevent any monument modifications.

“We are expecting them to stand up for the political will of Nevadans,” she said.

State lawmakers took an initial step Tuesday night when the Assembly approved a joint resolution expressing support for both the Gold Butte and Basin and Range national monuments. The resolution passed on a 27-15 party-line vote. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Feature photo caption: Rock formations in Gold Butte National Monument located northeast of Las Vegas. File photo.