Writing in Defense of Our Public Lands in the Age of Biden

After emerging from the trauma of the Trump administration, we have much to rebuild, with endless opportunities to speak on behalf of building cultural and environmental resilience in Red Rock Country. But it's hard to break through in polarized times. I write about trying to reach my one conspiracy-driven Facebook friend here in the Salt Lake Tribune.

My first call for restoration of Grand Staircase and Bears Ears by the new president appeared in the Los Angeles Times. As his administration moved to support protecting 30 percent of American lands and waters by 2030, it's clear that the restoration of our monuments fits the 30x30 initiative perfectly. I make that case here, again in the Los Angeles Times. 

And on October 8th, 2021, the president restored both monuments to their "full glory." My "hooray!" op-ed appeared in the Los Angeles Times two days later. Many thanks to President Biden for doing the right thing.

Utah's Senator Mike Lee never lets up in his attacks on public lands. This time, he wants to open nearly all roads in Capitol Reef National Park to off-highway vehicles. It's a terrible idea, contrary to more than a century of conservation that defines the national park ethic. I push back in this op-ed in the Salt Lake Tribune.

So, with the boundaries restored, have we truly “saved” Grand Staircase and “protected” Bears Ears? Not until we have management plans in place to elevate conservation over development—and with full staffing by folks who believe in the conservation mission, not just the perpetuation of their buddy’s grazing allotment. My fellow board member at Grand Staircase Escalante Partners, Carolyn Shelton, and I lay out the best possible future for Grand Staircase here in the Los Angeles Times.

The summer monsoon rains arrive early. The potholes are full. Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah.