The Bureau of Land Management will give the public a chance to weigh in on new management plans being created for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments.
The process involves developing six land use plans and two associated environmental impact statements that cover 2.1 million acres of federal land in Southern Utah.
The monuments' boundaries were reduced in December by President Donald Trump. That action is being legally challenged by Native American tribes and multiple environmental groups.
The Bureau of Land Management has moved ahead with management plans for the new units, as well as federal land that is now excluded from monument boundaries.
Meetings for Bears Ears are set for 4:30-8 p.m. Monday, March 26, at San Juan High School in Blanding; and 4:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Bluff Community Center in Bluff.
The meetings for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument are 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, at Kanab Middle School; and 4:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 29, at the Canyon Country Lodge in Escalante.
Members of the public are being asked to help identify any issues, management questions or concerns that should be addressed in the planning process. The meetings provide the public with an opportunity to submit written feedback in person.
Comments must be received within 15 days of the last scheduled public meeting.
Comments may also be sent to blm_ut_monticello_monuments@blm.gov and BLM_UT_CCD_monuments@blm.gov. Emailed comments about the Bears Ears plan may be submitted until April 11. Emailed comments about the Grand Staircase plan may be submitted until April 13.
Public domain photo.