The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has published two notices in the Federal Register regarding its intent to prepare Management Plans and seeking public input for federal public lands in Utah following President Trump’s proclamations that reduced the acreage of the Grand Staircase-Escalante and the Bears Ears National Monuments. Anytime land management agencies undertake large public lands management actions, it is very important for OHV enthusiasts to get involved to protect and expand responsible recreational access.

BLM states that the new land use plans will provide clarity to the public on how they can use public lands within the Monuments as well as land outside the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument and other specified neighboring land units.

The purpose of the public scoping process (initiated by these notices) is to determine relevant issues that will inform the scope of the environmental analysis, including alternatives, and guide the planning process. Preliminary issues for the planning area that have been identified by BLM include travel management and outdoor recreation (among other issues).

Comments/Public Meetings

The date(s) and location(s) of any scoping meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, newspapers and the BLM website. Comments must be received by March 19, 2018 or 15 days after the last public meeting, whichever is later. BLM will provide additional opportunities for public participation upon publication of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

You may submit comments on issues and planning criteria related to the planning process by any of the following methods:

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Grand Staircase-Escalante ePlanning Page; or 669 S Hwy. 89A Kanab, UT 84741.

Bears Ears National Monument: Bear Ears ePlanning Page; or 365 North Main, P.O. Box 7, Monticello, UT 84535.

Additional Info

Grand Staircase-Escalante Federal Register Notice

Grand Staircase-Escalante ePlanning Page – Includes Maps and Related Info

Bear Ears Federal Register Notice

Bear Ears ePlanning Page – Includes Maps and Related Info

For further information, please contact:

Grand Staircase-Escalante: Matthew Betenson; Associate Monument Manager; (435) 644-1200; BLM_UT_CCD_monuments@blm.gov; 669 S Hwy. 89A Kanab, UT 84741.

Bear Ears: Lance Porter; District Manager; (435) 259-2100; blm_ut_monticello_monuments@blm.gov; 365 North Main, P.O. Box 7, Monticello, UT 84535.