In 1976, Congress defined the purpose for our Nation’s Public Lands: that they are to be managed on the basis of multiple use and sustained yield.   Congress also declared that “the national interest will be best realized if the public lands and their resources …and their present and future use is projected through a land use planning process coordinated with other Federal and State planning efforts.” 

The Moab field office of the BLM reached an important milestone in fulfilling that charge.  On August 1, 2008, the Proposed Resource Management Plan/Final Environment Impact Statement (RMP/FEIS) was completed.  This plan outlines how BLM proposes to manage 1.8 million acres of public land in Grand County and northern San Juan County.  Over the past four years, numerous members of the public, a wide variety of organizations, and state, county and federal agencies have contributed valuable data, time, expertise, and insights to help us achieve what Congress directed:  a land use plan that provides for and balances among the many uses of BLM lands.

The Moab planning area is located in the heart of the Colorado Plateau, indisputably one of the most remarkable landscapes in the country.  This area is world-renowned for its deeply entrenched canyons and rivers, colorful vistas and unusual rock formations, including sandstone arches.  Annually, two million visitors come from all over the world to explore here and to enjoy a wide variety of recreation opportunities.  These lands have also long been a vital part of the Moab area’s history, economy and culture, particularly livestock grazing and minerals extraction.  The Moab planning area has many other important natural and cultural resources too, including wildlife habitat and municipal watersheds.

BLM Utah’s multiple use challenges mirror those seen throughout the West--domestic energy needs, and the ever-increasing demands for recreation on public land.  The Moab field office analyzed four alternatives accommodating multiple uses on public lands.  These alternatives, and the environmental consequences of each, were presented in the August 2007 draft RMP/EIS.   More than 35,000 individuals and organizations wrote us with their comments, and these have each been considered in the Proposed RMP/FEIS.   

On the most protective end of the management spectrum in the Proposed Plan, 20 percent of the planning area or 353,000 acres are designated Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas, where no development is permissible.  Nothing in the Proposed Plan would alter this management, which has been in place since 1992.  BLM would manage an additional 47,761 acres for their wilderness characteristics and apply protective measures there. 

More than 234,000 additional acres are excluded from surface disturbing activities, including those associated with oil and gas development.  In total, 32 percent of the field office, or 587,730 acres would be under “no surface occupancy” or “closed to leasing” management, including undeveloped natural areas, major river corridors, municipal watersheds, outstanding viewsheds and important wildlife habitat.  Where surface disturbing activities could be considered, BLM applies measures to minimize environmental effects and conducts site-specific environmental analysis when a proposal is received.  On 806,994 acres, timing and construction constraints would protect, for example, wildlife habitat, sensitive soils, and visual resources. 

Perhaps the most far-reaching elements in the proposed plan are travel management decisions.  The 1985 land use plan has most of the Moab field office open to cross-country travel, with about 6,199 miles of roads and travel routes.  The new plan proposes 3,693 miles as available for travel, including a variety of roads, from major, graded, and graveled roads to two-track jeep trails.  These roads and routes are not just for off-highway vehicles, but many accommodate the average family sedan.  Motorcycles have an additional 313 miles of dedicated single track routes in the proposed plan.  The planning area would be closed to cross-country travel, except for about 1,800 acres at White Wash sand dunes (one percent of the field office).  Implementing the travel plan will be a major undertaking, and we welcome help from individuals and groups in preserving the outstanding recreation opportunities which provide much of the economic base of Grand and San Juan Counties. 

This long, expensive and complex planning process has achieved its purpose:  a careful mix of use and protection to guide management of the Moab public lands.  The Proposed RMP/FEIS has focused uses in suitable locations, which reduces conflicts between uses, protects resources, and provides for quality recreational experiences.  We understand that everyone may not be happy with the management of their favorite use, interest, or type of recreation.

The Moab field office, with the help of partners and the public, has crafted a plan that meets BLM’s mission:  carefully considered management decisions which allow for the use, extraction, and protection of a myriad of resources important to the American people.

The Moab Field Office Proposed Resource Management Plan is available in its entirety on the web at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/planning.html.  Hard copies and CDs of the Plan area also available at the Moab Field Office.

Shelley Smith
District Manager
BLM Canyon Country District
Moab, Utah