White House order opens door for expanded OHV access in southern Utah
On July 13, President Donald Trump issued an order to reduce the size of Bears Ears National Monument, opening the door to expanded public off-road access in southern Utah.
Bears Ears is set to be cut from 1.36 million acres to approximately 121,100 acres. The Off-Road Business Association and SEMA say this is a win for the off-road community, stating ORVs will have more access now that federal agencies will be managing roads, trails within the remaining monument.
“ORBA applauds President Trump’s action today to give more Americans the opportunity to explore our nation’s natural treasures by refining the use of Bears Ears National Monument,” SEMA and ORBA said in a statement. “The natural beauty of this area is ideally suited for a new transportation plan that can maximize public access and create more ways for all people to utilize roads and trails for responsible motorized recreation.”
The proclamation directs the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to prepare a new transportation plan that “endeavors to maximize public access” by designating roads and trails for motorized and non-motorized vehicle use and providing for appropriate maintenance.
These provisions do not automatically reopen every road or trail, nor do they eliminate protections that apply to archaeological sites, tribal cultural resources, wildlife habitat or other protected resources. The practical effect will depend on implementation through future planning and route-designation decisions.
ORBA and SEMA say the proclamation recognizes the need to maintain recreation infrastructure and gives agencies flexibility to evaluate additional motorized route designations rather than limiting consideration to routes that were designated before the monument was created. The provision also creates an opportunity for the motorized recreation community to participate in future management discussions.
