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Last updated: 04/04/03
Questions and Answers re: the Interim Final Rule on Demonstrations
at Grand Staircase-Escalante
National Monument
Q. What is the purpose of this rule?
A. This interim final rule gives the Bureau of Land Management permit-issuance authority in order to manage public demonstrations and protests at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The rule, published by the BLM in today's Federal Register (Friday, September 1, 2000) is intended to ensure that visitors to the Monument and related facilities have safe access to visitor centers and other Monument facilities. Under the rule, groups or individuals must obtain a permit from the BLM to carry out public demonstrations or protests.
Q. Why is this rule needed?
A. The BLM has an immediate need for permit-issuance authority because of expected political demonstrations over the upcoming Labor Day weekend and at other times of heavy visitation. The rule was prompted by recent political protests at the Monument that effectively prevented visitor access to the BLM's Escalante office, which also functions as a visitor center.
Q. Does the rule seek to regulate the content of demonstrations and protests within the Monument?
A. No. The rule governs the time and location of such activities to ensure safe visitor access to facilities and to protect the Monument's resources.
Q. Does a group or individual applying for a demonstration permit have to specify the subject matter of the demonstration?
A. No. The permit requires applicants to give the date, time, duration, and format or layout of the proposed event; the specific location desired for the demonstration; an estimate of the number of persons expected to attend the event; and certain other related information, such as the type of props or sound equipment that the permit applicants may want to use.
Q. How quickly will the BLM decide on whether to issue a requested permit?
A. The BLM's Monument Office in Kanab, which is responsible for issuing Grand Staircase-Escalante demonstration permits, will act on a permit application within seven business days. The BLM intends to process all permit applications for the upcoming Labor Day weekend within 24 hours.
Q. How will the BLM handle requests for demonstration permits?
A. The BLM will issue a permit unless the agency finds that a proposed demonstration would present a clear and present danger to public health and safety, or on grounds that the demonstration would disrupt visitor access to facilities or damage Monument resources, or that it would conflict with another group's or individual's request to hold a demonstration at the same time and place. In the case of a time-and-place conflict with another group's or individual's request, the BLM will suggest an alternative demonstration site nearby.
Q. Does this rule apply to Monument visitors who display political slogans or other messages on vehicles (such as bumper stickers) or apparel (such as T-shirts)?
A. No. The rule applies only to public demonstrations, meetings, gatherings, parades, and other activities that are intended to, or are likely to, attract a crowd.
Q. When does this rule take effect?
A. The rule, known as an "interim final" rule, takes effect today (Friday, September 1, 2000).
Q. Does the rule allow the BLM to collect a fee for processing a public demonstration permit?
A. No.
Q. Does the public have an opportunity to comment on the rule?
A. Yes, the public has 30 days to comment on the rule, which the BLM published in today's Federal Register (Friday, September 1, 2000). The BLM will publish a final rule after reviewing the public's comments. Comments must be submitted in writing by October 2, 2000, to Director (630), Bureau of Land Management, Administrative Record, Room 401 LS, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20240. Comments may also be sent electronically via the Internet to WOComment@blm.gov. Electronic comments should include the subject heading "Attn: AD40."
Q. Where can the public obtain copies of the interim final rule?
A. Copies of the interim final rule may be obtained from the BLM's Utah State Office (324 South State Street, 4th Floor, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84111). The rule is also accessible from the Internet at www.blm.gov and the Federal Register Web site at http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html.
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