The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has officially kicked off its management planning process for the restored Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and has announced a series of public meetings—two virtual and three in person—where the agency will share information, answer questions, and accept public comment.

While the restoration of Grand Staircase-Escalante last October was truly a cause for celebration, the devil is always in the details when it comes to honoring the letter and spirit of a monument’s proclamation. That’s why it’s so important that people like you, who know and love this wild landscape, take time to participate in the planning process.

The BLM’s virtual public meetings are scheduled as follows:

• Aug. 17, from 10 am–12 pm MT. Register here: https://empsi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pnVO1ZBsR3ioUH-Cuu9rug
• Aug. 30, from 1–3 pm MT. Register here: https://empsi.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aJBSSu7uRbOO6poLbsABmg

If you live in Utah or happen to be visiting, please consider attending one of the following in-person meetings:

• Aug. 24, from 6–8 pm at the Escalante Showhouse, 50 W Main St, Escalante, Utah
• Aug. 31, from 6–8 pm at the Kanab Center, Ballroom C, 20 N 100 E, Kanab, Utah
• Sept. 7, from 6–8 pm at the Panguitch Elementary School Gymnasium, 110 S 100 W, Panguitch, Utah

We are currently in the “scoping” phase of the planning process, which means the BLM is actively seeking input on the range of issues it should consider as it develops a draft plan. The upcoming meetings are a great opportunity to learn how the process works, ask questions, and get a sense of how the agency intends to manage recreation, cultural and paleontological resources, native wildlife, natural dark skies, and other “objects and values” which the monument was established to protect.

Though the agency will accept public input at these meetings, the comment period extends through September 27th. We’ll be in touch again soon with more information and suggested points to raise in your comments. We’ll also keep you posted on the planning process for Bears Ears National Monument, which is expected to launch soon.