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ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has signed records of decision (RODs) completing the planning process for the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs national conservation areas’ resource management plans (RMPs) and the St. George Field Office RMP amendment. The RODs identify management plan decisions and explain the rationale behind them. These new plans form the basis for every on-the-ground action the BLM takes and, through these plans, the BLM has established a blueprint for how these areas will be managed in the future. 

Public feedback, starting with public meetings in 2010, helped the BLM identify concerns and balance interests. The plans result from years of public and stakeholder involvement as well as consultation with Washington County. “Managing these unique and awe-inspiring resources extends beyond just one individual, agency, or interest. Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs are the BLM’s only two NCAs in Utah, and these plans provide the framework for management,” said BLM-Utah State Director Ed Roberson. 

The BLM developed the plans to meet the conservation requirements outlined by Congress in the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009. Through that act, Congress designated these NCAs to "conserve, protect, and enhance… the ecological, scenic, wildlife, recreational, cultural, historical, natural, educational, and scientific resources." 

The plans were open to public comments and review at multiple stages, from the posted Notice of Intent, to the draft plans and, for those who participated previously, a protest period for the proposed plans. The plans reflect input gathered from public comments as well as from meetings and reviews with Washington County officials, municipalities, and information provided by state and federal agencies addressing wildlife, archeological resources, paleontological resources, viewsheds, recreation, grazing, and more. 

The Beaver Dam Wash NCA covers 63,478 acres and is located in the southwest corner of Utah. Many unique species of native plants and animals occur in this area. Within this area, many native plants and animals have evolved into unique species, some found nowhere else on earth. The NCA includes the northern extreme of the range of Joshua trees and riparian areas that are important stops for migratory birds. This area is also known for remote recreation opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing.  

The Red Cliffs NCA comprises 44,859 acres and is just out the back door for many residents of St. George. Red Cliffs provides important habitat to the threatened Mojave desert tortoise and many unusual plant species that take advantage of the intersection of the Colorado Plateau, the Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert. This area includes a stretch of the Virgin River and a number of hikes suitable for kids who want to explore dinosaur tracks and natural arches.  

The BLM also released the St. George Field Office resource management plan amendment ROD. As directed by OPLMA, the amendment addresses two primary management issues: identification of areas where biological conservation is a priority and modifications of the off-highway vehicle area designations to prepare for the development of a comprehensive travel management plan.

Copies of the documents are available for inspection at the Interagency Public Lands Information Center, 345 East Riverside Drive, St. George, UT 84790, and the BLM Utah State Office Public Room, 440 West 200 South, Suite 500, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The documents may also be downloaded at:http://bit.ly/2fhtN3P.

Certain decisions in the approved RMPs are implementation-level decisions and can be appealed to the Interior Board of Land Appeals. These implementation-level decisions are noted in the RODs for the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs (under livestock grazing and recreation) and are appealable under 43 CFR part 4. Any party adversely affected by the implementation-level decisions may appeal within 30 days of publication of Notice of Availability for the RODs, in accordance with the provisions of 43 CFR, part 4. The appeal should state the specific numbered decision and the rationale for the appeal. Within 30 days of the posting of this decision (“date of service”), a Notice of Appeal must be filed in writing to:

State Director
BLM Utah State Office
440 West 200 South, Suite 500
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101-1345

At the same time, a copy of the Notice of Appeal must also be sent to:

Regional Solicitor 
U.S. Department of the Interior
6201 Federal Building
1235 South State Street
Salt Lake City, Utah 84138-1180