The BLM and Forest Service have released the draft resource management plan (RMP) for Bears Ears National Monument. Our biggest takeaway from the proposed plan is the closure of Arch Canyon to motorized travel. We want to provide some information about the proposed management plan along with some suggestions regarding how we can respond
Basic Information:
- Bears Ears National Monument was originally designated to include 1.3 million acres by President Obama in December of 2016, during the final few weeks of his presidency. President Trump, recognizing the unnecessary and politically motivated overreach of the Obama designation, resized the monument to a much more reasonable 200,000 acres. In October of 2021 the Biden administration upsized the monument back to 1.3 million acres and started efforts to develop a new resource management plan.
- The proposed plan was released on March 8, 2024 and a 90 day public comment period began on March 13th and will end on June 11th.
SPEAR’s plans include:
- Efforts to raise public awareness through email campaigns and newspaper ads.
- A Rally in Monticello, Utah to demonstrate support for the Arch Canyon road. This event is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, 2024.
- Providing information that will assist you in commenting on the plan.
What you can do now:
- Make plans to attend the rally on Saturday, May 4th. We will meet in the morning at multiple staging areas in Monticello. We will ride to the BLM and Forest Service offices for a short rally program and then gather at a different location for lunch. A more detailed itinerary will be available on the SPEAR website within the next couple of weeks.
- Forward this email to friends and family members who have an interest in motorized access to public lands. We are hoping to demonstrate substantial public support for keeping the road in Arch Canyon open.
More about Arch Canyon:
Arch Canyon is one of the most popular destinations for motorized recreation in San Juan County. During the annual San Juan ATV/OHV Safari, Arch Canyon is unquestionably the most in-demand ride. Enjoying the beautiful scenery and fascinating sights in the canyon is a long-standing tradition enjoyed by multiple generations of local residents and visitors. Our hope is that this experience continues to be available to our children and grandchildren in the future.
Thank you for supporting public access to public lands. For additional information about the proposed plan and ideas about how we can respond, see SPEAR’s website at www.spear4all.com.