The election was, without a doubt, a major setback in our work to protect the redrock wilderness. Instead of gaining new protections for the canyon country, we’ll be playing defense against the anti-public-lands Trump administration, backed by Utah’s politicians. Much of the progress we’ve achieved—everything from the restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments to stopping new fossil fuel development—is now at risk.

And our long-term, generational work in southern Utah is but a single item on a long list of values threatened by this election.

As we confront the oncoming litany of attacks, SUWA will remain focused on defending the redrock. We will show up every day, whether it’s through legal action, community rallies, or stopping the sure-to-come bad legislation. SUWA has never backed down from a hard fight, and we’re not going to start now.

All of you—the passionate, fearless, and relentless activists at the heart of the Protect Wild Utah movement—will be needed more than ever before. Your voice and advocacy will be crucial in defending the wild public lands that inspire, heal, and renew us in the best and worst of times. We can still protect the places and values that matter. Together, we will.

Get ready for the fight. The redrock needs us all.

Scott Groene

Executive Director
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance