Join us and our partners on Monday, July 20 for a Monumental Statewide Day of Action. Bring a friend, bring a sign (we'll have extras), and let's make sure Utah's politicians hear us loud and clear.

The Department of the Interior’s Proposal Provides Only 14 Days to Weigh In

“Congress should advance these locally driven bills and stand against efforts to dismantle America’s national monuments,“ says Conservation Lands Foundation CEO Chris Hill

The current administration reduced the boundaries of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments by executive order.

“Stripping Three Million Acres of National Monument designations is a desecration and dereliction of Presidential duty. Shame on this Administration,“ says Conservation Lands Foundation CEO Chris Hill 

Sign the petition letting President Trump know you oppose ANY reductions or removals of America’s national monuments, including Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monuments in Utah.

The resolution, which essentially erases years of local and Tribal input and puts Congress in charge of the national monument in southern Utah, is now subject to a 60-vote threshold for passage should it be considered in the Senate.

Public land protectors went to Washington DC Capitol Hill to advocate for saving the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The group was comprised of local business owners from gateway towns near Grand Staircase and represented the bipartisan effort to keep the current 2025 Monument Management Plan in place.

Conservation, education, veteran, and recreation groups fight to protect critical Southern California public lands in Chuckwalla National Monument

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2026 Contact: Kris Deutschman, kris(@)conservationlands.org Kanab, UT / Washington, D.C. — In a dangerous first for America’s national monuments, Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT-02) today introduced joint resolutions to undo the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Management Plan using the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The resolutions would effectively put Congress in charge of how the national monument in southern Utah will be managed, opening the door for other national monuments and public lands to have their management similarly undermined. The resolution seeks to use an obscure law, the Congressional Review Act, in a novel way to overturn a national monument management plan. If both chambers of Congress pass the legislation, called a “resolution of disapproval,” by simple majority votes, the monument management plan will be eliminated and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be barred from issuing another plan that is “substantially the same” in the future. This action also threatens the integrity of national monuments and public land protections across the country. Reaction from national monument and local business advocates below: Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation, which represents a nonpartisan, national network of community advocates solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management: “Grandstanding on the back of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to appease a select few who want to kick the public out of public lands willingly ignores local communities, business owners, and Tribes who support and rely on the balanced management of national monuments. It also ignores the overwhelming majority of voters in Utah and across western states who want Congress members to protect these places. It’s a Congressional power grab of the country’s national monuments and public lands, plain and simple, and Americans of all political identities will fight like hell to stop it.” Jackie Grant, Executive Director of the Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, which is the local nonprofit that helps steward the national monument through science, conservation, and education: “Using the Congressional Review Act as a tool to amend land management plans eliminates the public’s voice and is a colossal waste of taxpayer dollars. It sets off a domino effect of chaos across all of our public lands. There was plenty of opportunity for many hundreds and thousands of voices to be heard—from the local level all the way up to the national level. As a local organization, we will continue to stand with our neighbors, Tribes, educators, and conservation partners to protect this landscape and ensure it is managed for future generations.” Nate Waggoner, Escalante, Utah resident and Board Chair at the Grand Staircase Regional Guides Association, which represents a regional network of outdoor guides who rely on the national monument for their local businesses: “We’ve been operating our business here for 22 years, we’ve made long-term investments in our community. Having our land use plans destroyed or taken away by the Congressional Review Act throws all of those investments into chaos. We need those long-term permits so we can continue to make long-term financial investments in our communities. This sets a horrible precedent for the future for all of the public lands we live, love, and operate on.” Todd Tucci, Senior Attorney, Advocates for the West: “Congress is effectively playing legislative Russian roulette with a gun pointed to the head of America’s public lands. They’re breaking the system of public lands management wholeheartedly. This isn’t just about the southeast corner of Utah, it potentially impacts every inch of public lands. It impacts your favorite watering hole, your favorite fishing hole… where you walk your dog, where you take your kids hiking. There’s not an inch of public lands that is safe.” ### Background: The Resource Management Plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was developed over years of public engagement, Tribal consultation, and scientific review to guide multiple-use and responsible management of one of the nation’s most significant cultural and natural landscapes . While the monument remains protected under Presidential Proclamation 10286 , which carries the full force of law, the Congressional maneuver injects uncertainty into monument stewardship and local economies that depend on outdoor recreation, and undermines the public process that has long governed how these treasured public lands are managed.

Conservation Lands Foundation and Partners Respond to Proposal to Gut the Management Plan for Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Threatens to bring chaos to a crown jewel of the nation’s public lands system and upend public lands protection as we know it

Your January public lands update: Read the latest and take action.

Congress is attempting to use the Congressional Review Act to remove a national monument management plan, a targeted attack on protected public lands in Utah and across the country.

Urge Congress to oppose H.R. 521 and S. 220 the Senate companion to eliminate the Antiquities Act and strip Presidents of their authority to designate monuments that protect ou r natural resources and cultural heritage.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of celebrating National Public Lands Day with our amazing staff and Friends Network partners in New Mexico, Congressional champions, and public land enthusiasts in the community to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands. The contrast between public lands celebrations and today couldn't be starker. Today’s federal government shutdown marks the latest blow to unprotected public lands across the country. The shutdown, combined with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s plan to designate oil and gas permitting as "essential" and the administration’s threat to lay off thousands more federal employees, makes it clear that this administration prioritizes corporations over communities. Here's what they can't shut down: our resolve. Despite an administration historically opposed to public lands and conservation, our collective voice has been able to fight off every attempt to sell off public lands. That's the power of what we've built together—and it's why we can't stop now. In this newsletter, you'll find two urgent threats that need your voice right now, celebrations worth sharing, a tribute to our founding trustee Richard Moe, and ways to deepen your connection to this growing movement. Your action matters—let's get to work.

PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. — Tuesday’s introduction of H.R.5393 — legislation that aims to undo Presidential Proclamation 7320, which established Ironwood Forest National Monument in 2000 — is the latest in a series of attacks on public land in Arizona. The bill was introduced by Representative Paul Gosar , with Representatives Eli Crane and Andy Biggs as co-sponsors. The districts of the three representatives do not overlap with the monument. In 2017, communities and organizations across southern Arizona rallied in response to a similar and unsuccessful attempt by Rep. Gosar to undermine the monument. The introduction of mining on currently protected public lands, which the bill intends to enable, would devastate Ironwood Forest National Monument’s native ecosystems and sever wildlife connectivity. Many expect the bill’s success or failure to sit with Representative Juan Ciscomani , whose district includes part of Ironwood Forest National Monument. On Monday, Ciscomani became the latest co-sponsor, and the only co-sponsor from Arizona, on the Public Lands in Public Hands Act, which aims to preserve public lands by blocking unauthorized sell offs or transfers. Ciscomani has also voiced support for Chiricahua National Monument’s potential conversion to a national park. The Ironwood Forest National Monument has become increasingly popular with well over 100,000 visitors a year, and local governments are paying attention. Mayor Jon Post , at the Town of Marana ’s recent vote on a resolution in support of the monument, said, “We want to do everything we can to protect that.” Two other local governments—the City of Tucson and Pima County — have also issued resolutions that opposed any reduction in boundaries or any increase in resource extraction in Ironwood Forest National Monument. _______ Below are statements from Ironwood Forest National Monument defense coalition members responding to Tuesday’s legislation: “Rep. Paul Gosar’s push to rescind Ironwood Forest’s protections is a misguided bid for attention,” said Christine Flanagan, president of the Friends of Ironwood Forest . “The monument isn’t even in his district — if it were, he would know it’s both highly visited and deeply valued by the local community.” “Ironwood Forest National Monument is home to a dense population of ironwood trees, bighorn sheep, and important habitat for several endangered species,” said Sandy Bahr, director of Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon (Arizona) Chapter . “It is significant for its natural and cultural resources and is broadly supported by local governments, Tribal Nations, businesses, and more. Rep Gosar is out of touch with Arizonans when he goes after land protections. He should abandon this short-sighted legislation.” "This short-sighted attack on the monument would cause irrevocable harm to Southern Arizona’s landscapes and communities," said Sanober Mirza, Arizona Program Manager for the National Parks Conservation Association . Saguaro National Park is a neighbor to the monument. The Wilderness Society’s Southwest Regional Director, Scott Miller , said “This is an affront to the freedom of all Americans who rely on these landscapes for cultural, recreational, economic and health benefits. It will threaten critical habitat for wildlife and desecrate our treasured natural places, and flies in the face of the massive broad Tribal and local support for these places.” “Congressman Gosar’s wrongheaded legislation is not just an attack on iconic monuments in Arizona, it tees up potential attacks on cherished monuments in other states as well,” said Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation . “These monuments were designated to protect irreplaceable cultural sites, fragile ecosystems, and landscapes that generations of people — including Tribes, local communities, and outdoor enthusiasts — have fought to preserve. This move ignores science, public opinion, and our shared responsibility to protect the places that make America unique.” Kate Hotten, co-executive director with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection , said “Attempts to strip protections from public lands are deeply unpopular. Ciscomani knows that we’ve seen this play out before, and that the community will stand up in strong support of Ironwood Forest National Monument.” “Ironwood Forest is a refuge of critical habitat for the wildlife and plants that give our region its character and are cherished by local communities” said Nico Lorenzen, conservation and wildlife associate at Wild Arizona . “The monument is an irreplaceable treasure worth far more than its weight in the metals extractive industries want to rip from its soil.” The Arizona Program Manager for Mountain Mamas, Selina Barajas , said "Ironwood Forest National Monument is a vital part of Southern Arizona’s natural and cultural heritage. Representative Gosar's efforts to dismantle its protections threaten the health of our families, communities, and future generations. Moms across Arizona know that protecting clean air, safe and clean water, wildlife, and public lands isn’t optional — it’s essential! We stand with the many local governments, organizations, and residents who have made it clear: Ironwood Forest belongs to the people, not to mining interests." “Ironwood Forest National Monument is a stronghold for Sonoran Desert wildlife that’s cherished by all Arizonans, so this bill is utterly appalling," said Laiken Jordahl, Southwest conservation advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity . “Gosar’s attempt to hand this vital habitat and beloved outdoor recreation destination over to mining companies against the will of local people isn’t policy. It’s a disgraceful sell-off of our natural heritage.” “As the weather cools in Arizona, locals and visitors will flock to our public lands, including our national monuments. Arizonans and Americans spoke clearly this summer — we have the right to access our public lands. Removing protections for the Ironwood Forest National Monument and turning it over to the mining industry would prevent us from accessing and using the land” said Environment Arizona’s Great Outdoors Campaign Director, Ellen Montgomery . “Our wildlife needs large undisturbed habitats to flourish. Ironwood Forest provides room to roam for animals and undeveloped areas for plants to grow. We need more nature in Arizona and we must protect what we have. We urge members of Congress to oppose this bill.” ### Kris Deutschman, Conservation Lands Foundation, kris@conservationlands.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Conservation Lands Foundation today denounced the introduction of two bills by U.S. Representative Paul Gosar that seek to abolish Ironwood Forest and Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monuments in Arizona. These proposed rollbacks represent a direct assault on America’s public lands, Indigenous heritage, and the will of the American people.  Below is a statement from Chris Hill, CEO of the Conservation Lands Foundation: “Congressman Gosar’s wrongheaded legislation is not just an attack on iconic monuments in Arizona, it tees up potential attacks on cherished monuments in other states as well. These monuments were designated to protect irreplaceable cultural sites, fragile ecosystems, and landscapes that generations of people — including Tribes, local communities, and outdoor enthusiasts — have fought to preserve. This move ignores science, public opinion, and our shared responsibility to protect the places that make America unique. “Ironwood Forest National Monument, designated 25 years ago with overwhelming local support, spans 129,000 acres of the biologically rich Sonoran Desert. It is home to centuries-old ironwood trees and some of the region’s most significant archaeological and cultural sites. Just last week, the Tucson City Council reaffirmed its support for the monument. “Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, designated in 2023 after decades of advocacy by the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition, protects ancestral lands and the Colorado River watershed from uranium mining and other threats. It honors Indigenous leadership and preserves the region's clean air, water, and sacred sites while allowing for traditional uses like hunting and grazing. “We have to ask, does Congressman Gosar actually talk to his constituents? The public overwhelmingly supports these monuments. According to the 2025 State of the Rockies poll, 89% of Western voters — across political affiliations — support keeping national monument designations in place. In Arizona, 80% of voters support Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni, including large majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats. “The Conservation Lands Foundation calls on Congress to reject these extreme, anti-public lands proposals and stand with the American people, the Tribes and communities who have worked tirelessly to protect these lands for future generations.” About Conservation Lands Foundation The Conservation Lands Foundation represents a national network of community advocates who are solely focused on the public lands overseen by the Bureau of Land Management including National Conservation Lands and similar protected public lands in the Western Arctic. ###

Contacts: Shevawn Bell, Communications Director, Conservation Lands Foundation, shevawn@conservationlands.org Washington, DC - Yesterday, more than 65 organizations urged House Leadership to protect Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument from House members who are attempting to use the appropriations process to open the monument to development and destruction. The letter calls on leadership to remove language from the House Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bill that would prohibit funding for the monument, unless it is managed pursuant to an outdated management plan from the first Trump administration. Specifically, Section 137 (pg. 75) of the House 2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill would require the Department of the Interior to manage Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument “in compliance with the Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plans…dated February 2020.” If passed, this language effectively implements Trump’s 2017 illegal shrinking of the Monument, and sets a dangerous precedent for not only Grand Staircase-Escalante, but all of our nation's National Monuments. Quotes and additional information can be found below. “The agency cuts and harmful policy riders included in the House 2026 Interior Appropriations bill is another backdoor attempt to attack America’s cherished public lands and national monuments,” said Chris Hill, Chief Executive Officer for the Conservation Lands Foundation. “This bill will severely impact the cultural, natural, and historical resources of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by prohibiting the Bureau of Land Management from implementing the updated monument plan, which was carefully developed through extensive public input and meaningful engagement. This misguided language, along with the deep cuts to land management agencies like the BLM, ignores the voices of local communities, Tribal nations who hold this land sacred, and the rural communities who depend on these monuments as economic drivers.” “Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most treasured public landscapes in America. But what makes it like nowhere else—remarkable paleontological discoveries and cultural connections, jaw-dropping scenery, and outstanding intact and diverse natural ecosystems—is at risk if the 2026 Appropriations bill passes,” said Travis Hammill, DC Director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) . “While members of Utah’s House of Representatives and other public land opponents continue their attacks on Grand Staircase-Escalante, SUWA, our members, and our partners will unwaveringly continue to protect and defend the Monument for current and future generations.” As stated in the letter: “... Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah is the first and largest national monument entrusted to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to conserve, restore, and protect. First designated a National Monument in 1996 and reinstated to its full boundaries in 2021, Grand Staircase-Escalante contains unique scientific and historic resources that offer unparalleled research opportunities for earth and climate scientists, paleontologists, geologists, archaeologists, historians, and conservation biologists. In addition, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with its slot canyons and sweeping vistas, has become a destination place for people around the world in search of a unique wilderness experience… The BLM initiated a resource management planning (RMP) process for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on July 28, 2022 in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10286. A final RMP was released on August 29, 2024 and includes the full boundaries of the established monument. As with all National Monuments, the development and implementation of an RMP is essential for providing guidance on management and clarity to the public on management decisions. Sec. 137 would usurp this important public process.” Read the full letter here. About the Monument Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was designated as a national monument in 1996 to protect the incredible scientific, ecological, and paleontological resources within its 1.9 million acres. This crown jewel of America’s national public lands was the first monument managed by the BLM, and was the first unit in the agency’s now robust and expansive “National Conservation Lands” system. Since its establishment, heightened protections for the Monument’s geology, paleontology, wildlife, plant communities, and ancestral sites have succeeded in preserving these unique values for generations to come, and local communities on the Monument’s doorstep have benefited as well. More than 25 years later, the numerous benefits of protecting Grand Staircase-Escalante are clear: the monument preserves a remarkable ecosystem at the landscape-level and sets the stage for future discovery about human, paleontological, and geologic history on the Colorado Plateau. On December 4, 2017, President Trump ignored millions of public comments and eliminated large swaths of the Monument, slashing it by 47 percent – roughly 900,000 acres. Thankfully, on October 8, 2021, President Biden signed a proclamation restoring Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to its full, original boundaries. In 2023, BLM began the process of developing a new management plan for the full Monument. During both the scoping phase of the current planning effort and after a draft plan was released, CLF and SUWA members and supporters of public lands conservation across the country submitted comments to the BLM calling for a holistic, conservation-based management plan worthy of this remarkable place. In August 2023 , a Federal District Court Judge in Utah dismissed lawsuits brought by the State of Utah, Blue Ribbon Coalition, and others challenging President Biden’s use of the Antiquities Act to restore the boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. The state and other plaintiffs quickly appealed that decision to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, which held oral argument on September 26, 2024, and will issue a decision in the coming months. SUWA, CLF and eight other conservation organizations have intervened on behalf of the United States to defend President Biden’s restoration of the Monuments, as have four Tribal nations. ### Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) leads the national movement of community-based advocates to protect, restore and expand National Conservation Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. CLF is headquartered in Durango, Colorado with field offices throughout the West and in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit conservationlands.org. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) is a nonprofit organization with members and supporters from around the country dedicated to protecting America’s redrock wilderness. From offices in Moab, Salt Lake City, and Washington, DC, our team of professionals defends the redrock, organizes support for America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, and stewards a world-renowned landscape. Learn more at www.suwa.org.