The Wilderness Society applauds long-awaited land management plan for Bears Ears National Monument

Today, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management published a long-awaited monument management plan for Bears Ears National Monument, which was designated by former President Obama in 2016. At the forefront of drafting the management plan was the Bears Ears Commission (BEC), which worked in partnership with federal agencies on a proposal that upholds Tribal values and protects the Monument's unparalleled natural and cultural resources. If finalized, the plan will set a new standard in balanced, sustainable land management and mark a significant cornerstone in federal respect for Tribal authority.

"With this plan, the federal government can affirm and formalize its commitment to meaningfully involve Tribal Nations in the protection and management of the Bears Ears living landscape," said Scott Miller, Southwest senior regional director of The Wilderness Society. "The final plan must center Tribal co-stewardship, aligned with Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and take the necessary steps to protect the monument's natural and cultural resources as outlined in the Presidential proclamation."

The publication of the proposed plan triggers a 30-day protest period and a 60-day Governor's consistency review period. Following these, the agencies are expected to finalize and release a final monument management plan. The final decision is expected sometime next year.