Photo credit: David Tucker
Last week Representative Maloy and Senator Lee of Utah introduced a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act to overturn the management plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) in Utah.
The 1.9-million-acre National Monument is currently managed under a new management plan that began in 2023 and was developed in collaboration with local stakeholders (including outfitters and ranchers), Tribal Nations represented in the Grand Staircase-Escalante Intertribal Coalition, the State of Utah, local governments and the public. Using input from these stakeholders the resulting plan guides the BLM in managing GSENM for recreation, wildlife, grazing, outfitters, cultural resource preservation, and other uses.
This is the first time the Congressional Review Act (CRA) is being used to overturn a National Monument management plan. Following closely on the heels of the CRA being used to overturn a mineral withdrawal protection in the Boundary Waters Wilderness, this action sets a dangerous precedent for retroactively overturning management plans and giving Congress a pathway to target and vote to undo protections of public lands across the country.
Bikepackers enjoy riding the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument High Plateaus Loop and the extensive network of gravel roads and 4×4 tracks. Extensive public lands, stunning scenery, dark skies, solitude, and engaging remote riding in a wild landscape are virtues the bikepacker experiences when riding in the National Monument.
Take Action!
Contact your members of Congress and ask them to oppose S.J. Res.109/H.J.Res.151 which would use the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Plan. In your message, include any personal connection to GSENM and your opposition to Congress using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to overturn a National Monument management plan.
Additional Resources:
Conservation Lands Foundation Action Alert
Photo credit: Kurt Refsnider
