How Utah's Largest National Monuments Changed Again Amid Public Lands Battle

WATCH: Battle for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante

“We've done something that was, I think, very desperately needed,” President Trump said. “It was very unfair to the people of Utah. And now fairness has been brought back.”

After President Obama established Bears Ears in 2016, it became the center of a political tug-of-war, with both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase either shrinking or growing with each new administration.

Advocates for a larger federal designation, including organizations like Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) and The Wilderness Society, argue it protects plants, wildlife, and geologic and historical sites with ancestral and cultural significance to local tribes.

The groups have said boundary cuts only open the door to activities like hard rock mining; coal, oil and gas development; and expanded off-road vehicle recreation.

However, state leaders like Governor Cox see it differently. 

Speaking at this week’s proclamation signing, Gov. Cox said the federal government doesn’t put enough resources into managing the massive monuments, and he asserted that keeping most of the area in state hands still protects historical sites while giving Utahns local control over the land.

He and Utah U.S. Senator Mike Lee said according to the Antiquities Act, monument designations are supposed to cover the smallest area possible that is compatible with the protected objects.

“We have nine monuments in Utah. Seven of them are around 700 acres to 7,000 acres. That's what this was meant to be,” Gov. Cox said. “Not millions of acres as what happened with Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears.”

MAP: The boundaries of Bear’s Ears before (L) and after (R) this week’s proclamation (Utah Public Lands)
 

The new Bears Ears monument is morphing from 1.36 million acres to 121,096 acres. The boundaries look similar to President Trump’s 2017 iteration, but the 2017 proclamation encompassed 201,876 acres. 

Bears Ears was originally established at 1.35 million acres.

MAP: Shows the boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante before (L) and after (R) this week’s proclamation (Utah Public Lands)
 

Grand Staircase-Escalante was established in 1996 at 1.7 million acres but eventually grew to 1.87 million acres. It narrowed in 2017 to 1 million acres before returning to 1.87 million acres during President Biden’s term in 2021. 

The latest proclamation puts it at 181,541 acres—though, it remains to be seen if the back-and-forth boundary swinging will continue with future administrations.

PHOTO: This week’s proclamation signing at the White House (CNN)

 

About This Series

Utah Insight is PBS Utah’s public affairs program, with in-depth, timely explorations of the most pressing issues facing the state. Host Lauren Steinbrecher discusses hot topics with leading experts, local leaders, and everyday Utahns to foster meaningful conversations and diverse perspectives. Whether reporting from the steps of the Capitol, attending rallies, or engaging with citizens on the street, Utah Insight empowers viewers to stay informed and engaged.