SPEAR is organizing a rally to support the OHV road in Arch Canyon. In the proposed plan for managing the Bears Ears National Monument, the Forest Service and the BLM are planning the close this iconic route. Here are the rally details as we currently have them:
- The rally will be held in the parking lot of the BLM office in Monticello, Utah on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 am.
- For those interested in riding their OHVs to the rally we will stage at 10:00 am at the San Juan County Fairgrounds in Monticello and then ride as a group to the BLM offices.
- If you are not planning to ride your OHV to the rally please join us at the BLM office at 11:00 am.
- Following the rally we will return to the San Juan County Fairgrounds for a lunch provided by SPEAR.
We realize that feelings are high regarding this potential closure. Our rally will be a positive, respectful event demonstrating our support for continued motorized access to this unique and beautiful canyon.
Some Background Information
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.
- 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.
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.
The Arch Canyon trail is one of the few places where those who are unable to hike, the elderly and the disabled, are able to enjoy the the beauties of this type of desert canyon bottom.