The shrinking of two national monuments on Access Utah
President Donald Trump recently signed executive orders shrinking the size of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. These orders reduced the monuments by about 90% or nearly three million acres. The president also disbanded the Bears Ears Commission, which facilitated consultation with five tribes in the area.
via upr.orgEscalanteAugust 20, 2026
New mining claims crop up on land cut from Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante
One day after Trump's national monument cuts, Moab-based Kimmerle Mining filed seven claims within the old boundaries of Bears Ears. Less than a month later, Craig Rosequist filed two claims within Grand Staircase.
via KUERMoabAugust 18, 2026
Capture the Essence of the Escalante Canyons Art Festival
Art lovers often know that feeling when a scene is so inspiring they feel energized to capture it. Participants can prepare to experience that, perhaps repeatedly, at the Escalante Canyons Art Festival from September 18–27, 2026. Located near the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument, the festival offers opportunities for visual artists, writers, and musicians to hone their skills and seize the day.
via suindependent.comEscalanteAugust 17, 2026
Documents Reveal White House Knew Recreation Was Possible in Bears Ears
Internal White House documents reveal that administration officials were briefed on recreational opportunities within the Bears Ears National Monument a month before President Trump signed proclamations to shrink the monument, contradicting the president's claims that recreation was virtually impossible in the area.
EscalanteAugust 9, 2026
Utah Applauds Modifications to National Monument Boundaries
The State of Utah has expressed support for federal actions that modify the boundaries of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. Officials stated these changes under the Antiquities Act will allow for better management, preservation, and public access to these sites.
EscalanteAugust 9, 2026
Trump Reduces Utah National Monuments to Focus Management
President Donald Trump has issued a proclamation significantly reducing the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in Utah. The move, which scales the monuments down by approximately 90%, was welcomed by the Utah federal delegation as a return to the original intent of the Antiquities Act. The decision follows decades of political shifts regarding the management of these sacred lands.
StatewideEscalanteAugust 5, 2026
