The State of Utah announced June 8, 2026, that it has signed a Cooperative Management Agreement with the federal Bureau of Land Management regarding the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area in southern Utah.
Details of the management agreement
The agreement concerns the 117,000-acre recreation area, which was established as part of the 2019 John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. The San Rafael Swell features diverse geological formations, including the San Rafael Reef, and serves as a site for hiking, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle exploration.
Criticism from wilderness advocacy group
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) issued a statement criticizing the new management structure. SUWA Legal Director Steve Bloch described the announcement as having "all the hallmarks of the fox being put in charge of the henhouse," alleging that the state is attempting to prioritize off-road vehicle use and that Governor Cox has partnered with the Trump administration to monetize public lands.
BLM land management and history
The Bureau of Land Management manages 22.8 million acres of public land in Utah, including various wilderness areas and monuments. The San Rafael Swell area specifically includes sites like the Jurassic National Monument and features a history of mining, grazing, and indigenous cultural artifacts.
Current BLM leadership in Utah
The Bureau of Land Management's Utah State Office is currently led by Acting State Director Christina Price, who assumed the role in May 2026.
