The State of Utah has announced its support for new federal actions that modify the boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. According to state officials, the modifications made under the Antiquities Act will allow agencies to better provide management, preservation, and public access to both monuments for future generations.
Lands that are not included within the new modified boundaries will remain protected under existing state and federal laws as part of America’s public lands.
Governor Spencer J. Cox stated that while the state values the natural, cultural, and scientific treasures in the area, the focus should be on how to protect them best. He noted that the modified boundaries allow agencies to direct limited resources toward specific sites rather than millions of surrounding acres.
Previously, the two monuments encompassed approximately 3.2 million acres, an area larger than all of Utah’s other seven national monuments and five national parks combined. The scale of those previous designations reportedly created management challenges that inadvertently harmed cultural and scientific resources.
Under the new modifications, the Bears Ears National Monument will cover approximately 121,000 acres, while the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument will cover approximately 182,000 acres.
Attorney General Derek Brown said the action is a step toward appropriately sized monuments that allow for responsible stewardship. He noted that Utah has fought to enforce Antiquities Act limits on monument size to ensure Utahns have certainty regarding the lands they call home.
Speaker Mike Schultz said the changes will improve management, public access, and recreation opportunities while respecting the traditions and livelihoods of local communities. He expressed the desire for a long-term solution to prevent the lands from being subject to political back-and-forth.
Senate President J. Stuart Adams noted that the changes provide land managers with greater flexibility to reduce wildfire risk and combat invasive species. He stated that the new boundaries allow for a more focused approach to preserving Utah’s landscapes while ensuring historic roads and trails remain open and ranching families have certainty.
The new boundaries are expected to create opportunities for protection and public access for research, education, and recreation. Monument management will involve representatives from the state, local governments, and tribes with historic connections to the areas to help guide decisions.
Lands outside the modified boundaries will continue to be safeguarded to protect wildlife habitat, sensitive landscapes, and cultural sites throughout the region.
