Obama's administration is considering 14 potential national monuments in 9 states, according to a leaked Department Of The Interior document. And whenever there's talk of turning a place into a federally protected national monument, there's going to be debate. Some are happy with the idea of federal protection, thus helping to save these beautiful places for our kids, but with national monument status comes more regulation as to what types of activities are allowed in the area.In addition, government officials in Utah are angry because they claim that no state or local officials were contacted about the proposal. Utah Governor Gary Herbert claims, "I will challenge federal officials to explain to me how they could possibly be in a better position to know what’s best for our rural lands than those of us here on the ground in this state.” Below are the areas being considered for national monument status.San Rafael Swell, UTMontana’s Northern Prairie, MTLesser Prairie Chicken Preserve, NMBerryessa Snow Mountains, CAHeart of the Great Basin, NVOtero Mesa, NMNorthwest Sonoran Desert, AZOwyhee Desert, OR/NVCascade-Siskiyou National Monument, CA (expansion)Vermillion Basin, CO (pictured above)Bodie Hills, CAThe Modoc Plateau, CACedar Mesa region, UTSan Juan Islands, WAMore info at The Adventure Life.