BLM implements new wildlife protections in Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons
Roped, aerial recreation limits in small area provide big benefits to species
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MOAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced a final rule to protect vital wildlife habitat in Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons in Grand County, Utah. The rule restricts activities that allow human access to otherwise inaccessible habitats that are important for wildlife species such as the Mexican spotted owl, golden eagles, other raptors and Utah’s only endemic herd of desert bighorn sheep.
The rule prohibits rock climbing, except in designated areas at designated times; prohibits other roped and aerial activities, including ziplining, slacklining, climbing, rappelling, rope swinging, BASE jumping, parachuting, and skydiving; and prohibits the construction or installation of temporary structures. The rule covers 10,044 acres, about one percent of BLM-managed public lands within the jurisdiction of the Moab Field Office.
“This rule ensures these iconic wildlife species continue to have areas with limited disturbance from recreational visitors to BLM-managed public lands,” said Moab Field Manager David Pals. “While these aerial and roped recreation limits cover a very small area, they will provide huge benefits for wildlife success.”
The Federal Register notice provides further details about the rule, including the need to obtain Individual Special Recreation Permits to rock climb in the special area during specific seasons. Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons are approximately 30 to 43 miles west of Moab, accessible mostly by dirt roads.
In June 2021, the BLM issued a decision on which informed this rule after completing an environmental assessment that incorporated public input. In Jan. 2023, the BLM released the proposed rule for public review and comment. In response to comments, the BLM reduced the area closed to highlining and modified the permit system for rock climbing to provide additional flexibility. The final supplementary rule and accompanying environmental documents are based on the best available science and are open for inspection at BLM’s Moab Field Office and on the ePlanning website.
For additional information, please contact Katie Stevens at kstevens@blm.gov or (435) 259-2100.
Public Domain Photos: Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons Flickr Album.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.