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Utah's San Rafael Swell, located in central Utah, is one of the most popular areas to recreate on public lands in the state. Locals and visitors enjoy hiking and backpacking through its scenic trails and slot canyons, camping in both dispersed and designated areas, and off-roading with ATVs and 4x4 vehicles on its rugged terrain. The area is popular for mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and horseback riding, making it a versatile destination for people of all ages and abilities.
This year, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published the proposed alternatives for the San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan (TMP), which could severely limit access to this cherished area by closing hundreds of miles of roads. And because the federal government controls nearly 70% of the land in Utah, it has the power to limit access to users of all ages and abilities through TMPs, like this one.
The public comment period for the proposed alternatives closes on July 22 and is the only opportunity Utah has to shape the final TMP. Utah strongly encourages everyone to participate in this public process and let the BLM know how important access is to Utah and Utahns. Use the San Rafael Swell TMP Comment Letter Generator or visit publiclands.utah.gov/tmp to learn more. Comments should be personal to you and express why access to public lands in this area is important. Make sure each comment is detailed, like mentioning specific roads, mentioning any disabilities that require motorized access, mentioning your traditions and heritage of visiting this area, or mentioning if you have young children who can't hike long distances. The details are vital as public comments help the BLM understand the full impact of their decisions. Make your voice heard before the comment period ends on July 22.
The BLM's proposal includes four alternatives, with the most restrictive (Alternative B) suggesting the closure of 967 miles of routes out of the 2,161 miles being considered (44.7%). These closures would impact dispersed camping locations and recreational activities, not just for off-highway vehicle users, but for everyone who enjoys the Swell. And while many uses don't require motorized access, most access points are served by motorized transportation. Road closures are especially impactful to people who have physical limitations and rely on motorized transportation to get to their public lands. Or, consider all the families who visit Goblin Valley and camp in the Swell because they can't secure a reservation inside the park. The proposed closures would drastically limit these and other opportunities.
Additionally, access to public lands is not just about recreation but includes other significant implications:
- Reduced access could lead to less tourism which leads to fewer jobs and diminished funding for essential services. Revenue from outdoor recreation impacts 18.2% of jobs in Emery County. A drop in tax revenue and tourism spending directly impacts Utahns, both in Emery County and statewide.
- Access is crucial for medical personnel during rescue operations to provide timely medical assistance to injured people. Accidents, such as falls, heat stress, and animal encounters, are common in these areas, and timely medical attention can make a significant difference in the outcome.
- Trust lands generate revenue for beneficiaries (school children) through energy and mineral leases, real estate planning and surface resource use on designated public lands. When access to these lands is cut off (or limited), additional funding for Utah students and schools is jeopardized.
- Loss of access to wild areas hampers wildlife management efforts, limits the ability to monitor populations, and make enhancements to wildlife habitat.
The state of Utah, through the Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO), opposes extensive closures and supports Alternative D, which proposes the least restrictive closures — about 52 miles. While the state supports Alternative D, the state's preference would be no closure of access to our public lands. This alternative aims to maintain maximum access for all user groups, including those with physical limitations who depend on motorized transport.
The BLM's TMPs should provide opportunities for access, economic prosperity, and stewardship. However, recent TMPs focus more on restricting access, creating areas that can be accessed only by foot, or that are closed completely to the public. TMP restrictions and closures by the BLM mean less access to public lands for everyone, not just OHV riders. In contrast, the state of Utah focuses on providing access opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
Recently, the BLM has increased the rate at which it is using TMPs to restrict access to Utah public lands. In total, the BLM will develop and implement 11 TMPs in Utah over the next few years – significantly restricting the access currently available to all users. For more information on this and other TMPs, visit publiclands.utah.gov/tmp.
Stand for your land, let your voice be heard.
