Bears Ears Monument Also Shrinks or Shifts Under New Order
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The President is changing the size and rules of Bears Ears National Monument in Utah to better protect important historic and natural sites while allowing some land to be used differently. This affects local communities, outdoor lovers, and federal land managers. These updates aim to balance preservation with practical use, with no new costs expected and changes effective immediately.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Monument Shrinks to 121,096 Acres
The Bears Ears National Monument boundaries are changed so the Monument will reserve about 121,096 acres across two units (the Shash Jaa Unit and the Indian Creek Unit). Lands that were part of the Monument under earlier proclamations but not inside the new boundary are excluded from the Monument.
Excluded Lands Opened to Mining and Leasing
Approximately 1,238,904 acres are excluded from the Monument and, at 9:00 a.m. eastern daylight time on the date that is 60 days after this proclamation, those excluded public and National Forest System lands are opened (subject to valid existing rights and other law) to entry, sale or disposition under public land laws, mineral and geothermal leasing, and location under the mining laws.
Livestock Grazing Rights Protected
The proclamation says nothing in it shall be deemed to affect existing authorizations for livestock grazing on Federal lands within the Monument, and grazing will continue to be governed by other laws and regulations. If grazing permits or leases are voluntarily relinquished, the Secretaries must, within 1 year, reallocate the relinquished forage or issue a new permit or lease for that allotment unless that reallocation is inconsistent with proper care and management of protected objects.
Vegetation Management And Restoration Authorized
The Secretaries may authorize ecological restoration and active vegetation management in the Monument, including mechanical tools, grazing, and chemical treatments to control noxious weeds and invasive species, and should coordinate with the San Juan County Weed Board as appropriate. The proclamation specifically identifies grazing as a primary option for mitigating weeds and managing fuels.
Advisory Committee Reworked For Local Stakeholders
The Monument advisory committee is revised to include specified members: one member each from five named Tribal Nations, one member each from San Juan County and three named towns, and six members recommended by the Governor of Utah (each representing groups such as archaeological experts, livestock grazing permittees, outdoor recreation including commercial recreation providers or off-highway vehicle users, conservationists, private landowners, and local business owners).
Roads, Trails, And Motorized Access Rules Updated
The Secretaries must prepare a new transportation plan to maximize public access and may allow motorized and non-motorized vehicle use on roads and trails that were designated for such use immediately before Proclamation 9558. Pending the plan, the Secretaries may allow motorized use on those roads and may designate additional roads and trails for motorized use.
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