"The ultimate outcome of the planning process is to provide both a set of decisions to resolve land management issues and to create a framework for future planning and decision making," said Monument Manager Jerry Meredith.

The plan offers a range of alternatives on issues such as; transportation and off-highway vehicle travel designations, major and minor visitor facilities, Wild and Scenic River recommendations, recreation management, vegetation management and scientific research activities.

The draft plan outlines five different approaches to the future management of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Options include: continuing current management; emphasizing recreation opportunities; emphasizing research activities; emphasizing the primitive character of the land itself; and a "preferred" alternative that emphasizes the conservation of the Monument as an unspoiled natural area, while recognizing its value as a resource for scientific research and appropriate recreational uses.

"Collectively, the management alternatives proposed in the draft plan contain the ingredients needed to create a strong, balanced foundation for the future management of the BLM’s first national monument," said Meredith.

"Establishing the Monument as a pre-eminent outdoor laboratory, maintaining the frontier character of the land, and accommodating use while adhering to a strict mandate for resource protection are among the key future desired outcomes woven throughout the draft management approaches identified thus far," he said.

But Meredith cautioned that no decisions have been made yet. "This is not a decision document and we’re looking forward to the next round of public involvement to help us achieve the best possible final blueprint for the Monument."

Based on the public comments, the Monument planning team will prepare a Proposed Management Plan and Final EIS which is scheduled for release sometime next summer. An Approved Plan is expected to be completed by September 18, 1999.

The draft management plan will be distributed extensively in order to maximize the opportunities for public participation. Hundreds of copies of the 450-page document were sent out from the printer today, but those who have not already requested a copy can easily obtain one.

Printed or CD ROM disk versions of the Draft Management Plan and DEIS can be obtained by writing Pete Wilkins--Team Leader, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, 337 South Main Street, Suite 010, Cedar City, UT 84720 or calling (435) 865-5100. Electronic copies are available on the Web at http://www.ut.blm.gov/monument.  Written comments will be accepted at the address listed above or through the web site. In order to be considered in the Proposed Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement, comments must be received by February 12, 1999.

Public open houses are scheduled for eight Utah towns and cities, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, San Francisco, Denver and Washington D.C. between December, and January 12. These meetings will be held in an "open house" format to facilitate a better understanding of the plan and provide tips on how to make comments that will be most useful in the preparation of the final plan.