Grand Staircase Monument Gets Surprise Presidential Resize
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The President is changing the size and boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in Utah to better protect important natural and historic sites while allowing some land to be used for other purposes. These changes affect local communities, outdoor lovers, and land managers, balancing conservation with responsible land use. The updates take effect soon and aim to improve how the land is cared for without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Monument Boundaries Reduced Dramatically
The President changed the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument boundaries so the Monument now reserves approximately 181,541 acres. The reserved lands are organized into two units: the Canyons of the Escalante Unit (~172,641 acres) and the Kaiparowits Horizon Unit (~8,900 acres); lands outside those boundaries that were reserved by prior proclamations are excluded.
Excluded Lands Opened for Mining and Leasing
Lands excluded from the Monument will be open at 9:00 a.m. eastern daylight time on the date that is 60 days after the proclamation (September 11, 2026) for entry, location, selection, sale, or other disposition under the public land laws; for disposition under laws relating to mineral and geothermal leasing; and for location, entry, and patent under the mining laws, subject to valid existing rights and applicable law.
Livestock Grazing Rights Preserved
Nothing in the proclamation affects authorizations for livestock grazing within the Monument; grazing shall continue to be governed by existing laws and regulations. If grazing permits or leases are voluntarily relinquished, the Secretary must, within 1 year, re-allocate the relinquished forage (including issuing a new permit or lease) unless reallocation is inconsistent with proper care and management of protected objects.
Public Access and Transportation Planning
The Secretary must prepare a new transportation plan to maximize public access in the Monument and designate roads and trails where motorized and non-motorized use will be allowed; pending that plan, the Secretary may allow vehicle use on roads and trails designated for use before Proclamation 6920. Existing roads and trails designations and maintenance continue to be governed by other laws and regulations.
Active Vegetation and Restoration Authority
The Secretary may authorize ecological restoration and vegetation management in the Monument and consider a full range of tools, including mechanical mastication, grazing, and chemical treatments, to control noxious weeds and invasive species; treatment plans should be coordinated with the Garfield and Kane Counties Weed Boards. The Secretary may use livestock grazing as a primary option for mitigating weeds and managing fuels.
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