Defending Our National Monuments: Bears Ears & Grand Staircase-Escalante

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What Happened?

On July 13, President Trump issued two Executive Orders illegally reducing the size of Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by a total of three million acres. The Bears Ears proclamation focuses on the monument being “confined to the smallest area compatible with the proper care and management of the objects to be protected." The Grand Staircase proclamation uses the same argument while referring to the monument's size as unnecessary; ex: 800,000 acres of the Monument is “protected” as Wilderness Study Areas. Both proclamations mention that mineral extraction could potentially be unleashed now that Trump has gutted protections for these monuments.

On September 11, 2026, at 9 am ET, 60 days after the proclamation, subject to valid existing rights, all lands excluded from the monument are open to entry, location, selection, sale, or other disposition by USFS, as well as disposition for mineral and geothermal leasing and location, entry, and patent under mining laws.

In the days leading up to this deadline, we will continue to fight for the continued protections of these Utah monuments. Review our National Monument Defense Toolkit for talking points and campaign guidance.

Sources

GSENM & BENM Map (July 2026)

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Excludes approximately 1.69 million acres of land.
Monument reduced to 181,541 acres comprising two units: the Canyons of the Escalante Unit and Kaiparowits Horizon Unit.
Canyons of the Escalante Unit is 172,641 acres, includes Escalante Natural Bridge, Calf Creek Canyon, a high density of Fremont prehistoric sites, Hundred Hands pictograph panel
Kaiparowits Horizon Unit is 8,900 acres, including a recently discovered bonebed assemblage with rare specimens of theropods.

Bears Ears National Monument

Excludes 1,238,904 acres of land.
Monument reduced to 121,096 acres comprising two units: the Shash Jáa Unit and the Indian Creek Unit.
Shash Jáa is 106,816 acres and includes the actual Bears Ears, Arch Canyon, Mule Canyon, Comb Ridge, as well as five non-contiguous parcels of land that include Doll House Ruin, Scorup Cabin, Rig Canyon Mining Exploration Site, Moon House complex, and Citadel.
Indian Creek Unit is 14,279 acres, including Shay Canyon and Newspaper Rock.

Defense Toolkit

There are two main ways your organization can amplify this campaign and drive your supporters to take action.

2-3 minutes: Amplify the Monuments for All social media posts by re-sharing, commenting, and liking (links inside the toolkit).
5-10 minutes: Use the social media copy and graphics in our toolkit to post your own content.

If you would like a more tailored and comprehensive approach to amplifying the campaign, the Defense Toolkit also includes a sample email alert, media pitch, OpEd, and LTEs. Figure out which method best fits your organization and supporters. Reach out to a CLF staff member if you have any questions.