The Utah Farm Bureau Federation (UFBF) submitted a formal protest regarding the Bears Ears National Monument Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. The protest, filed on November 4, 2024, addresses several key concerns with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) proposed plan, including unnecessary restrictions on livestock grazing, lack of data transparency, flawed analysis, insufficient collaboration with permittees, and potential violations of federal law. 

UFBF President ValJay Rigby stated, “The proposed management plan for Bears Ears National Monument threatens the livelihood of ranchers who have responsibly managed these lands for generations. We're deeply concerned about BLM’s approach, which largely disregards the cultural and economic importance of grazing in our region. This plan, if implemented as is, could devastate our rural communities and erase an important part of Utah's heritage.” 

“We urge the BLM and USFS to reconsider their approach and work more closely with local ranchers who have been stewards of this land for over a century,” Rigby added. “Our members are committed to sustainable practices that preserve both the historic and natural resources of Bears Ears and our ranching way of life. We believe there's a path forward that respects both, but it requires genuine partnership and understanding of our local needs.” 

The UFBF expects a response from federal agencies and stands ready to engage in further dialogue to address these critical issues. You can read the protest letter by clicking HERE. The Utah Farm Bureau supports the multiple-use concepts in management of natural resources on public lands by local, state, and federal management agencies, and specifically, coordinating efforts to promote and enhance livestock grazing as an integral part of multiple-use management.