How are the Co-Trustees working with the Navy to ensure that Navy activities within the Monument cause no harm?
A. Presidential Proclamation 8031 specifically exempts lawful activities and exercises of the Armed Forces, including the U.S. Coast Guard, from its prohibitions. The Co-Trustees have no authority to regulate such activities. The requirement that the Armed Forces avoid to the extent practicable adverse impacts on Monument resources and qualities is to be addressed by the military agency conducting the operation, not the Monument Co-Trustees. The Navy is the primary DOD agency that periodically conducts activities in the Monument and they have expressed their commitment to support the spirit and intent of the Proclamation.
