BLM invites public comment on draft plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
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KANAB, Utah — The Bureau of Land Management today published a Notice of Availability and opened a 90-day public comment period for the Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, which would replace the existing 2020 Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plans for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and 2020 Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan for the Kanab-Escalante Planning Area that together guide the management of approximately 1.87 million acres of public lands. The comment period closes Nov. 9, 2023.
"Public input is essential to the successful development of a resource management plan that will ensure appropriate management of the many resources of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument while furthering the protection of objects with historic or scientific interest,” said BLM Utah State Director Greg Sheehan. “Your feedback during this public comment period is critical to shaping the future management of this unique and unparalleled Utah landscape.”
BLM plans to hold five open-house forum public meetings with opportunities to speak with resource specialists: two virtual meetings and three in-person meetings, one each in Escalante, Kanab, and Panguitch. Dates and locations of public meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, social media, newspapers, and the BLM National NEPA Register.
“We continue to seek input from the public, State and local governments, Tribes, and interested groups to inform this planning effort,” said Paria River District Manager Harry Barber. “The resource management plan will be developed with maximum public involvement and be designed to ensure the long-term protection of monument objects.”
The draft RMP and EIS includes consideration for proposed areas of critical environmental concern and recreational target shooting closures. The plan, associated documents and instructions for submitting comments electronically (preferred) are available at the BLM National NEPA Register and at the BLM Paria River District Office. Comments may also be mailed to ATTN: GSENM RMP Project Manager, BLM Paria River District Office, 669 S Highway 89A, Kanab, UT 84741.
For additional information, please contact Scott Whitesides at 801-539-4054.
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.