On Monday, a closed-door meeting was held in Utah to discuss visitor use, management, and new development at several Utah national park sites, including Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef national parks, as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. According to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the meeting represented the latest effort by the State of Utah to undermine and dismantle the nation’s public lands system.
SUWA notes that the “workshop” appears to have been specifically tailored to avoid Utah’s open meetings laws by inviting numerous county commissioners and legislators, but at numbers right below the threshold that would have required the meeting be open to the public.
“The secrecy around yesterday’s meeting says it all. Instead of an open and transparent conversation, the State of Utah ran a closed-door event where it unveiled its management priorities and direction for the NPS units in Utah,” said Neal Clark, wildlands director at SUWA. “Parks like Zion, Arches, and Bryce Canyon are the envy of the world, but all Utah politicians can imagine is a future where these parks and others are overrun by off-road vehicles and out-of-control visitation.”
During the meeting, the Utah Public Land Policy and Coordinating Office (PLPCO), along with some county commissioners, presented a list of grievances and demands for each of the parks, including:
- allowing off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks
- eliminating timed-entry at Zion and Arches National Parks
- eliminating other permit systems and increasing visitation numbers to all parks
- paving a stretch of the Burr Trail, a backcountry road that winds between the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Capitol Reef National Park, and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
A proposed plan draft presented at the meeting (attached), referring to the timed entry program piloted at Arches for the past four years, stated that “Grand County considers its impact on visitation, the local economy, and the community to be unacceptable.”
The meeting was convened and led by the Department of the Interior and the State of Utah, and SUWA pointed out that and it doesn’t appear that career NPS superintendents and staff were given any heads-up about the issues discussed.
“Americans should see the State’s actions for what they clearly are: a power grab to gain control of and undermine the National Parks and federal public lands in Utah,” said Clark. “SUWA will continue its work, undeterred, to protect Utah’s redrock country for current and future generations.”
The meeting follows recent efforts by Utah politicians to sell off public lands and open up some NPS sites to off-road vehicles.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
