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Recognizing the socioeconomic value of managing iconic recreation and conservation lands for public use and enjoyment, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Utah today signed the Decision Record approving a recreational land exchange with the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. Under the Utah Recreational Land Exchange Act of 2009, the BLM and State of Utah will consolidate land ownership through an equal value exchange of lands in Uintah, Grand and San Juan Counties.In recent years, nearly six million annual visitors recreating on Utah's public lands have boosted local economies and contributed to community job growth through recreation tourism. Public lands managed by the BLM in Utah contribute significantly to the state's economy and, in turn, often have a positive impact on nearby communities. In fact, recreation on BLM-managed lands in Utah provided $490 million in local and national economic benefits in 2012. This exchange will further support Utah's local economies by helping the BLM preserve recreation hotspots like the southern viewsheds along the Colorado River and near Arches National Park.“Public lands in Utah provide places to hunt and hike or travel and camp. They offer retreats from the hustle of daily life or heart-pounding adventures," said Juan Palma, BLM-Utah State Director. "Whether you're looking for something therapeutic and inspirational or adrenaline-filled and exciting, this exchange will expand opportunities for outdoor recreation on Utah's BLM-managed lands."The BLM will acquire 58 parcels with high conservation and recreation value, totaling 25,034 acres, primarily in Grand County. These parcels will expand the BLM backcountry with world class recreation sites like Corona Arch and Morning Glory Arch. This exchange will improve the quantity and quality of recreational experiences for visitors to public lands and waters managed by the BLM. The State will acquire 34 parcels with high mineral development potential, totaling 35,516 acres, primarily in Uintah County. The state expects development of these high potential parcels to boost public school funding across Utah.The appraisal documents and revised maps showing the parcels to be exchanged will be available for public inspection for 30-days from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at the BLM-Utah State Office, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City. The exchange maps and additional documents supporting the exchange, including the environmental assessment and Decision Record, are available online.For a period of 45 days from the date of publication of this release, interested parties may submit written protests to the BLM-Utah State Director at the address below. Written protests may be mailed, hand delivered, or faxed. Telephone calls and email will not be accepted.MailBureau of Land ManagementUtah State OfficeAttn: State Director440 West 200 South, Suite 500Salt Lake City, Utah 84101Fax(801)539-4237Before including an address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in any comments, be aware that the entire comment -- including personal identifying information -- may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so. The BLM will not consider anonymous comments. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety.For additional information on this exchange, please contact Joy Wehking at (801)539-4114 or jwehking@blm.gov. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question with the above individual. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.