Science & Research
What's new?
- Science Plan Update
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) has recently produced a Science Plan that encourages, supports and guides researchers and land managers in conducting and utilizing scientific research in GSENM. This Science Plan is in complete accordance with the recent (January 2025) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for GSENM.
The plan also complies with direction that National Conservation Lands like GSENM establish Science Plans. This document provides:- Summaries and links to past research;
- Ideas and needs for future research;
- Steps to obtain approval to do scientific research in GSENM; and
- Strategies for sharing and utilizing scientific findings in support of GSENM objectives.
The RMP provides clear direction on how GSENM is to be managed, and this Science Plan supports the RMP, and in no way changes or conflicts with management direction in the RMP. This Science Plan will be a living document that can be updated as needs and objectives change in coming years.
GSENM Science Plan 2025 | Bureau of Land Management - Science Lecture Series
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The Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument science program hosts a lecture series at the Kanab Library at 374 N Main St, Kanab, UT 84741. Times are 6pm unless noted otherwise, and the public is invited to attend these free events. If you have ideas for topics or speakers, contact Marc Coles-Ritchie at mcolesritchie@blm.gov. For additional information about future and past presentations, visit "Science & Nature Talks in Kanab" linked below.
Science & Nature Talks in KanabGSENM Science Lecture Series Posters | Bureau of Land Management
Get to know a Monument 'ologist
Prepare to embark on a journey inside Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where we continue to explore the world of scientists dedicated to unraveling its mysteries. Discover the latest installment here and browse through the archives listed below.
- Paleontology
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Meet Madi, a young paleontologist with a cool story to tell 💪🌍 Did you know she discovered her first dinosaur at age 14? In celebration of #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience, we share Madi's journey from taking her childhood passion for paleontology and turning it into a career 🦖🌄 Learn more about Madi’s inspiring story at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/3c35a86220d34d39b9b2cfc1e12c00cd/ 👩🔬 🔬
Color Country Podcast Episode #12: #12 - Unearthing the past: How this Southern Utah student is making her mark in paleontology (Updated Mar. 4, 2025) - Water Quality
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Meet Dr. Hannah Bonner! Hannah is an environmental scientist for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. Hannah works with Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Soil Scientist Raven Chavez in monitoring recreational water at Calf Creek Falls in Escalante, Utah.
Hannah is a Utah native who started her career as scientist in 2016, and together she and her team are dedicated to safeguarding public health in Utah's renowned lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
Her Story: BLM Blog | Facebook Feature | Instagram Feature
- Wildlife
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Lisa helps monitor and document the potential impacts of proposed projects on wildlife and its habitat. As a subject matter expert in fauna for the Kanab Field Office and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Lisa’s main responsibility is to serve as a part of the interdisciplinary team that monitors and documents the potential impacts of proposed projects on a species and its habitat.
Her Story: Facebook Feature | Instagram Feature
- Soils
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Raven started her soils journey in December 2012 at the Oregon State College of Forestry and worked for a few federal agencies before starting her career with the Bureau of Land Management. In addition to her primary duties, Raven can also be found bringing soil science to the classroom, speaking about her work with students, conducting worm races, and stressing the importance of an education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, more commonly known as STEM. To learn more about some of Raven’s work as a Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Soil Scientist, visit: Scientists take AIM at natural resources on BLM land.
Her Story: Facebook Feature
- Paleontology
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Katja Knoll, Paleontologist and Lab Manager for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, is a film student- turned-paleontologist. After pursuing an education for documentary filmmaking and rediscovering a passion for science, Katja’s career path and education took an unexpected detour. Katja moved to Kanab, Utah, and began working as a paleontology intern for Dr. Alan Titus at Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument during the summer of 2014. Shortly after, Katja was hired full-time as the paleontology lab manager for the Monument and graduated with a Master of Science in Geology. Katja also helped Dr. Alan Titus expand the Monument’s paleontology volunteer program and continues to manage it today, which she says brings a myriad of diversity and perspective to the program.
Her Story: Facebook Feature
Research Stories
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"Turtle Diversity at the National Monument" - Guest Speaker: Dr. Joshua Lively 
**Under construction**
Water & Weather Data |
• Streamflow data from USGS at https://waterdata.usgs.gov/ut/nwis/rt which reports daily flow data across Utah including a few in Grand Staircase-Escalante. 
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