When President Donald Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) passed Congress, its supporters celebrated a sweeping return to “energy dominance.” But buried beneath the headlines is a quiet, far-reaching assault on America’s outdoor recreation heritage — one that puts the $1.2 trillion dollar recreation economy at risk.
The Interior Department characterized the 2024 rule as having “made conservation (i.e., no use) an official use of public lands, putting it on the same level as BLM’s other uses of public lands.”
Under the proposed rollback, areas that could see increased energy development, mining, or grazing include BLM lands surrounding Moab’s recreation corridors, though specific management changes would be determined through future planning processes.
Maintaining trails, collaborating with land managers, and providing visitor support are appropriate county functions, and we should continue to fund them. But programs rooted in education, stewardship, and outreach thrive best and most sustainably when they’re carried by nonprofits with strong government and private partnerships.
Meeting Summary Meeting called to order at 4:30 PM with Chair Winfield announcing three agenda changes: postponing Randy’s Metal CUP to next meeting, pulling the Planning Administrator appointment, and proceeding with audit acceptance…
Utah Senator Mike Lee’s ambitious plan to sell off vast tracts of public land has been blocked in the Senate. Learn why the Byrd Rule halted the proposal and what could happen next.
Multiple sources confirmed to the Moab Sun News this week that the Moab lease will not be terminated after all— including Karen Henker, acting public affairs specialist for the NPS Southeast Utah Group.
Want more information on the potential sale of public lands? We’ve got the full text of the bill, our summary of the process, and multiple videos from different perspectives.
A new opinion from the Department of Justice revives debate over national monument protections. President Trump tried to slash Utah’s monuments in his first term – What’s next for Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears?
If the Moab offices shut down, it could affect many local employees who help manage national parks and public lands—following controversial job cuts that have sparked protests nationwide, including in Grand County.
Employees warn that important work will go undone all over the country
