Chaco Launches Bears Ears Collection with Proceeds to Protect America’s Newest National Monument
ROCKFORD, Mich. (May 15, 2017) Chaco, a footwear brand born on the river and proudly worn by outdoor enthusiasts since 1989, is pleased to introduce a collection of limited-edition products that directly benefits the defense of Bears Ears National Monument. One hundred percent of net proceeds from the collection will go to two non-profits dedicated to protecting the monument and the 1.3 million acres of cultural and ecologically significant public land it includes.
“We recognize the immense value of our country’s public lands and are committed to their permanent protection.” said Seth Cobb, Chaco’s president. “Bears Ears is under attack from politicians in Utah and Washington, D.C., and we are proud to support two non-profit organizations, Diné Bikéyah and Friends of Cedar Mesa, in their tireless efforts to defend this spectacular landscape. The threat is imminent and immediate action is required. ”
On April 26, President Trump signed an executive order directing Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to review Bears Ears National Monument within 45 days, and to make a recommendation on all other monuments designated since 1996. A delegation of politicians from Utah has repeatedly requested that the President rescind the Bears Ears designation, part of a larger strategy to transfer federal-owned public lands to state control, where they could be potentially auctioned off to the highest bidder.
Diné Bikéyah is a nonprofit organization that supports indigenous communities by protecting their culturally significant, ancestral lands. Utah Diné Bikéyah was instrumental in proposing national monument designation for the Bears Ears area, which includes thousands of Native American archeological sites. Willie Grayeyes, Board Chairman of Utah Diné Bikéyah, said, “I believe Bears Ears National Monument to be the most qualified area designated in the past 21 years, and also the most thoroughly studied, researched, and vetted by all sides. This monument enjoys wide support in Utah, is an economic driver for our reservation communities here in San Juan County, and it enables more local control and stewardship of the region by local Tribes and Utahns.”
Friends of Cedar Mesa is a conservation-focused nonprofit working to ensure that the public lands in San Juan County, with all their cultural and natural values, are respected and protected for future generations. Josh Ewing, executive director of Friends of Cedar Mesa said, “With more archaeological sites than any other national monument or national park, Bears Ears National Monument protects American history while providing us all the opportunity to be inspired by those who came before us.”
The Chaco Bears Ears collection is highlighted by made in the USA, limited-edition Z sandals, featuring a unique webbing design inspired by the twin buttes of the Bears Ears. The sandals, as well as a graphic print Bears Ears T-shirt and wrist wrap are available exclusively at chacos.com, where people can learn more about Bears Ears, Chaco’s advocacy efforts, and how they can get involved. Explore the collection at www.chacos.com/bearsears
About Chaco:
Born on the river in 1989, Chaco builds premium footwear for the outdoor-minded. As a result of the brand’s proprietary LUVSEAT™ footbed, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has awarded the Seal of Acceptance to all Chaco footwear styles. The APMA Seal is intended to raise awareness by identifying products of exceptional quality that are manufactured with comfort, health, and safety in mind. Simply put, Chaco is fit for adventure. Please visit us at www.chacos.com, Facebook: Chacos, Instagram: ChacoFootwear, Twitter: Chacousa.
Chaco is a part of Wolverine Worldwide's Outdoor and Lifestyle Group.
