January 2, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SUWA Statement on the Release of the Final San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan – 1.2.25
Contacts:
Laura Peterson, Staff Attorney, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) (801) 236-3762; (laura@suwa.org)
Grant Stevens, Communications Director, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA); (319) 427-0260; grant@suwa.org
Salt Lake City, UT – On December 31st, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the final San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan. Below is a statement from SUWA Staff Attorney Laura Peterson and additional information.
“We are disappointed with the new plan, which once again prioritizes motorized vehicles at the expense of natural and cultural resources in the San Rafael Swell. The Bureau of Land Management had the opportunity to finally strike a balance between motorized recreation, non-motorized recreation, and preservation of this incredible landscape, but chose not to,” said Laura Peterson, SUWA Staff Attorney. “The Swell is a beloved southern Utah landscape – one with endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and spending time with friends and family. It should be known for its spectacular views, cultural sites, and opportunities for solitude, not off-road vehicle damage.”
Additional Information:
The San Rafael Swell Travel Management Area (TMA) encompasses roughly 1,150,000 acres of BLM-managed lands within the Price and Richfield field offices. A much-loved backcountry area, the Swell is home to irreplaceable cultural and historic resources, important wildlife habitat, and outstanding recreation opportunities. The Swell’s sinuous slot canyons, soaring red rock cliffs, and prominent buttes provide countless opportunities for hikers, canyoneers, campers, river runners, climbers, bikers, photographers, and other visitors. This TMA also encompasses recently-designated wilderness areas and the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area.
In June, the BLM released a draft motorized vehicle travel management plan and accompanying environmental assessment, which analyzed the varying impacts of each alternative travel network under consideration. Of those alternatives, only Alternative B would have provided some balance between motorized recreation and non-motorized recreation while also minimizing damage to natural and cultural resources. Alternative B would have allowed motorized vehicles on nearly 1,200 miles of routes in the Swell, ensuring access to motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities, scenic overlooks, and trailheads, while also preserving this stunning backcountry area.
In the newly-released plan, the BLM selected Alternative E which designates nearly 1,500 miles of routes, opening a substantial number of new routes to motorized vehicles.
The San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan is one of 11 travel plans the BLM is completing as part of a court-supervised settlement agreement between the agency, conservation, and ORV groups. Covering more than 6 million acres of BLM-managed lands in eastern and southern Utah, these plans will determine where motorized vehicles will be allowed on some of Utah’s wildest public lands. Including this plan, the BLM has completed four of the 11 plans. Read more about SUWA’s litigation to ensure these travel plans follow federal laws to protect public lands and resources.
###
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 this world-renowned landscape. Learn more at www.suwa.org.
