We Need Detailed Comments on Congressional BLM Sale

There has been a lot of discussion about the Maloy-Amodei Amendment recently that will transfer 11,000 acres of BLM land to local governments in Southern Utah and Nevada. The purpose of the land transfer is for either infrastructure improvements for things like water (4372 acres of it is for Washington County Water Conservation District) or to allow local governments to buy land at reduced cost near other urban areas to provide affordable housing.

UPLA has been analyzing some of the parcels for conflicts with recreation, but I can really use your help. Please take a look at the attached maps, and if you see any conflicts with either these purposes or adversely impact recreation, please email mailto:president@utahpla.com with as much detail as possible. At this point, whether you’re for it or against it is not what we’re looking for, I need details of conflicts with current uses or lands. Also attached is the complete text of the amendment if you care to read it.

We already scheduled a meeting with Washington County Water District to discuss their parcels, but I really need your help with others.

Thank you.

Loren Campbell

NV 1 – Fernley Economic Development Act – October 6 2020NV 2 – Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act Disposal Map – February 6 2025”]UT 2 – City of St George Utah Land Conveyance – March 28 2025UT 3 – Washington County Land Conveyance East Half – April 11 2025UT 4 – Washington County Land Conveyance West Half – April 9 2025

UT 3 – Washington County Land Conveyance East Half – April 11 2025

UT 2 – City of St George Utah Land Conveyance – March 28 2025

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NV 2 – Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act Disposal Map – February 6 2025

NV 1 – Fernley Economic Development Act – October 6 2020

amodei-amendment-NVUT-Land-Sales

URGENT CALL YOUR SENATORS TODAY TO VOTE YES ON JOINT RESOLUTION

This morning, I got the following email from Hanna Larsen, Staff Attorney for Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance asking their followers to oppose the Joint Resolution on Glen Canyon

Glen Canyon Joint Resolution Email from SUWA

SUWA is scared, and when SUWA asks for something, we must overwhelmingly respond. Please Take 5 minutes to call your Senators TODAY and ask that they Vote Yes on Joint Resolution 30 to allow OHV use on Glen Canyon and to prevent any similar rule in the future. The Senate is Voting Tomorrow, May 7, so it is urgent you do it now!

Here’s a link to find your Senator’s phone number

While you’re on the phone, ask them also to support the following six bills.

• Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act (S.4215): Ensures motorized access for those using OHVs as mobility aids
• Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act (H.R. 3397): Blocks “conservation leasing” that sidelines recreational use
• Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act (H.R. 5499): Requires Congressional and state input for national monument designations
• Historic Roadways Protection Act (H.R. 7635): Protects RS 2477 roads from federal closure
• Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 7983): Streamlines forest management to reduce wildfire-related closures
• Green Tape Elimination Act (H.R. 6395): Speeds up trail and facility work by cutting redundant environmental reviews

URGENT ACTION NEEDED TODAY ON HIGHLIGHTED ARTICLES BELOW

Utah’s OHV community has experienced a temporary pause in new travel management planning due to the administrative transitions within the Department of the Interior (BLM) and Department of Agriculture (USFS). However, this pause is only temporary. Travel planning will resume in accordance with the 2017 Settlement Agreement—a process that continues to shape the future of motorized access across our public lands.

This update outlines what lies ahead, what challenges we face, and how every one of us can help protect access for all.

What is the 2017 Settlement Agreement?

The 2017 agreement—between BLM, SUWA, and BlueRibbon Coalition—mandated the reassessment or creation of 11 Travel Management Plans in Utah:

• Completed Plans: Henry Mountains & Fremont Gorge, San Rafael Desert, San Rafael Swell, Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges
• Upcoming or In Progress: Dinosaur North, Book Cliffs, 9 Mile Canyon, Indian Creek, Dolores River, Trail Canyon, Paunsaugunt

To date, over 2,000 miles of motorized routes—many of them offering dispersed camping, scenic access, and historic corridors—have been closed. These closures are being actively contested by groups such as BlueRibbon Coalition, Ride with Respect, Colorado Trail Preservation Alliance, Colorado OHV Coalition, and others. The State of Utah itself is involved in over 70 lawsuits challenging these restrictions, often citing RS 2477 rights-of-way and provisions of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA).

What’s Next?

Although BLM has temporarily marked some planning statuses as “Cancelled,” this is a bureaucratic reset. Work is only paused—pending direction from agency leadership and realignment of priorities. The next plans expected when restart begins will be:

1. Trail Canyon
2. Paunsaugunt
3. Dolores River (which may gain 45 additional miles of designated routes)
4. Dinosaur North

Throughout every NEPA phase, your route documentation—photos, narratives, and GPS logs—will be critical in defending these trails.

Why Are Roads Being Closed?

Travel management closures often stem from:

• Executive Order 11644 (signed in 1972 by President Nixon), which introduced the “minimization criteria” requiring agencies to limit OHV access to reduce environmental impacts. Unfortunately, agencies have adopted overly broad interpretations, often without adequate scientific or user input.
• “Natural reclamation” (a route appears unused due to overgrowth)
• BLM arbitrarily favors some forms of recreation over others.
• “Duplication” (parallel routes being labeled redundant despite offering different terrain, camping, or scenic value)
• Environmental concerns (wildlife habitat expansion or soil/watershed protection—often with minimal data)
• User conflicts, with noise complaints frequently cited but rarely substantiated

Will the Trump Administration Solve These Problems?

BlueRibbon Coalition has identified 26 harmful Executive Orders impacting access—four of which have already been rescinded, including reversals of the Biden Administration’s 30×30 agenda and the BLM Conservation Rule. While we anticipate further support under a Trump-led administration, legal and public pressure must continue from our side.

What Can You Do?

To turn the tide, we need every OHV enthusiast engaged. Here’s how:

1. Start Using TrailSaver to Make Impactful Comments, especially on Kanab Area Trails in Pausaugant and Trail Canyon

Visit www.TrailSaver.com after each ride in Utah to document:

• Obstacles, campsites, viewpoints, historic or geologic features
• Photos and notes that demonstrate the value of these routes

When travel plans reopen, TrailSaver will send your notes and photos back to you—with a guide on how to turn your report into an effective public comment. Need help? Submit your draft to our Comments Coach, Rose, for personalized assistance in making your comment legally substantive.

2. Help Us Change the Law

UPLA will support our work with BlueRibbon Coalition to create permanent protections for our access in Washington DC, which includes mobilizing grassroots support for key legislation, maintaining strong relationships with Congressional Members, and working with a professional lobbyist to expand our reach.

Please urge your lawmakers to support the following SEVEN access-focused bills and Actiions.

• Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act (S.4215): Ensures motorized access for those using OHVs as mobility aids
• Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act (H.R. 3397): Blocks “conservation leasing” that sidelines recreational use
• Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act (H.R. 5499): Requires Congressional and state input for national monument designations
• Historic Roadways Protection Act (H.R. 7635): Protects RS 2477 roads from federal closure
• Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 7983): Streamlines forest management to reduce wildfire-related closures
• Green Tape Elimination Act (H.R. 6395): Speeds up trail and facility work by cutting redundant environmental reviews
• Joint Resolution to Overturn NPS Rule on Glen Canyon-Call your Senator’s today to urge them to Vote Yes on Joint Resolution 30 to overturn the rule prohibiting OHV access in Glen Canyon. THE SENATE IS VOTING ON THIS TOMORROW, MAY 7, SO PLEASE MAKE YOUR CALLS TODAY.

Make calls to your State Senator and Congressional Representative TODAY! Here’s a link to find your members of Congress.

3. Donate to UPLA Now to Allow us to Double your Donation to BlueRibbon Coalition

Join UPLA as a member and make a donation. Between now and May 31, UPLA will not only match your gift to BRC, but for every donation of at least $50 BlueRibbon will also mail you a free copy of Volume 3 of their Lost Trails Guidebook, which features 22 backcountry routes located within 10 proposed or recently designated National Monuments as a Thank You. 

Final Word

Access to public lands isn’t guaranteed—it’s defended. Your voice, your photos, your outreach, and your dollars make a difference. Let’s ensure the roads we ride today remain open tomorrow.

For the first time ever, six important bills are being considered by Congress that directly support access, reduce restrictive federal overreach, and protect historic roadways critical to OHV use. Below is a summary of each bill and how it benefits our OHV community:

Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act (S.4215)
This bill ensures public lands remain accessible to Americans with disabilities by requiring that land designated for disabled access also allows motorized access proportional to that area. This means OHVs could be an approved mobility tool, empowering those who rely on motorized travel to enjoy public lands equally.

Western Economic Security Today (WEST) Act (H.R. 3397)
The WEST Act would block the Bureau of Land Management’s proposed “conservation leasing” rule, which threatens to sideline OHV users by prioritizing conservation over access. Passage ensures recreation and OHV access remain a priority on BLM lands rather than locked away for exclusive uses.

Ending Presidential Overreach on Public Lands Act (H.R. 5499)
This act curbs abuse of the Antiquities Act by requiring Congressional approval for any national monument designations. It prevents future large-scale monument expansions that could close vast OHV riding areas without local input, protecting access for generations.

Historic Roadways Protection Act (H.R. 7635)
This bill protects thousands of miles of historic roads including RS 2477 roads which are crucial OHV routes—by prohibiting federal agencies from unilaterally closing them. It ensures that legacy access routes remain open for responsible recreation and helps preserve traditional motorized access across the West.

Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 7983)
Aiming to reduce wildfire risks and improve forest health, this bill cuts through bureaucratic red tape that delays forest management projects. For OHV users, healthier forests mean fewer closures from wildfires and improved access to managed trails and riding areas.

Green Tape Elimination Act (H.R. 6395)
This bill eliminates redundant environmental reviews when states or local entities manage projects on federal lands. By streamlining approvals, it paves the way for faster trail maintenance, facility improvements, and OHV access projects—getting riders back on the ground without years of delay.

CALL TO ACTION – MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Access to public lands for OHV use is under constant pressure. These bills protect our rights, help reopen closed routes and protect new routes from closures. They also prevent overreaching new regulations that could close off large areas. Now is the time to act.

👉 Contact your Members of Congress TODAY and urge them to support these six bills that protect responsible OHV access and public land use.

🔎 Find Your Representatives Here:
✅ Congressional Member Lookup Tool – Enter Your Address

Together, our voices protect access to the lands we love. Help ensure these bills pass—our riding future depends on it!

Click here to learn how to be effective in your call to Congress

At Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), we understand the power of grassroots advocacy in protecting public land access for responsible users — especially off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts. One of the most direct and impactful ways to make your voice heard is by calling your elected officials in Congress. However, a phone call is only as powerful as the message it delivers. Here are some tips to help you make your calls to Congress more effective, ensuring our collective voice is loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.

1. Know Who to Call

Generally, you need to make 3 calls.

• Your U.S. Senators (two per state)
• Your U.S. House Representative (one per district)

You can find your representatives and their contact information easily at https://www.congress.gov/members.

Your call will likely be answered by an Intern. You should expect that they will take your name and address to verify that you are a constituent, then record your position on the subject you are calling on. They will record your position and provide a summary to the Congressional Representative at the end of each day.

If you would like to have an in depth conversation, when you first call ask to speak to the LA (Legislative Analyst) for Natural Resources or Public Lands. Most often you’ll need to leave a message for them to call you back.

Tip: Focus your efforts on your own elected officials. While contacting others may feel useful, Congress prioritizes calls from constituents — the people they were elected to represent.

2. Be Prepared with a Clear, Focused Message

Before you dial, jot down the main points you want to make. A good call should:

• Identify yourself as a constituent (include your zip code)
• Mention the specific issue or bill by name or number
• Clearly state your position (support or oppose)
• Request action (e.g., “Please oppose H.R.XXXX as it would restrict public land access for responsible OHV users.”)

Example Opening: “Hi, my name is [Your Name]. I’m a constituent from [City, ZIP]. I’m calling to ask Senator [Name] to oppose [Bill Number] because it threatens responsible access to our public lands for OHV users like me.”

3. Keep It Brief and Respectful

Staffers taking your call have limited time. Stay focused on the issue:

• Avoid long explanations or unrelated issues
• Speak respectfully, even if you disagree
• Thank the staffer for their time

Remember: You’re representing not just yourself, but our community of responsible public land users.

4. Personalize Your Call

If you have a personal connection to the issue, share it briefly:

• How does OHV recreation benefit your family or community?
• Do you rely on access to public lands for your business or lifestyle?
• Have you volunteered for trail maintenance or education programs?

Personal stories make your call more memorable and impactful.

5. Follow Up and Stay Engaged

After your call:

• Send a quick thank-you email to the office summarizing your request
• Share updates with fellow UPLA members and encourage them to call
• Watch for responses or statements from your representatives and hold them accountable

6. Don’t Be Discouraged by Voicemail

Offices are busy — voicemails still count! Leave a clear message with the same points as a live call. Some offices track voicemails as part of their daily reports to the member of Congress.

Your Voice Matters

Every call helps shape the narrative on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers keep tallies of constituent contacts — especially on hot-button issues like public land access. When enough of us call, our message becomes impossible to ignore.

At UPLA, we believe responsible OHV users deserve a seat at the table. Let’s make sure our voices are heard loud and clear. When the time comes, make that call — and make it count.

For updates on pending legislation and action alerts, follow Utah Public Lands Alliance at www.utahpla.com or on our social channels.

Please email me with results from your call , and if you speak to a Legislative Analyst, please provide their contact information to me.

Together, we protect access, but we can’t do it without You!

Loren Campbell
President, Utah Public Lands Alliance

Since our inception in 2014, UPLA has been fighting for access by all responsible users on our public lands. Although we initially focused primarily on Washington County and Sand Mountain, in the last 2 years we expanded our efforts to include the entire state and other forms of outdoor recreation. We focused on building and strengthening partnerships with others and educating our supporters and followers about how to make a difference in keeping our public lands open.

We are proud of our achievements to protect and improve access for not only off highway vehicles but all forms of outdoor recreation, here’s a few.

• Recommended, justified, wrote grant, and installed 2 state-of-the-art composting toilets on Sand Mountain
• Organized Sand Mountain maintenance project with 150 4×4 and OHV users working together for 2 days installing trail signs and cleaning up dump sites on the perimeter of the BLM land. We also achieved TV Coverage for this event.
• Designed, fabricated, funded and installed Sand Hollow Trail Head Signs on all major trails
• Designed, fabricated, funded and installed Obstacle signs on major obstacles on Sand Mountain
• Worked with BLM to create detailed maps and information panels for 6 kiosks on Sand Mountain
• Obtained approval and installed the Top of the World signpost on Sand Mountain
• Created a website with over 1000 gpx tracks in Utah and surrounding states
• Wrote and supported the App used by St George Jeepers to schedule and promote their weekly trail runs
• Wrote and supported the App used by the Winter Jamboree Trail Guides
• Kevin Keller interviewed multiple times on Fox13 to speak out against the 317 miles of land closures
• Numerous appearances on At Your Leisure Programs
• Launched TrailSaver.com, the first effort to collect trail and route information details at the time users run the trails, then return their notes when they are needed for a Travel Management Action
• Assisted with creation of Waddy’s Corral, a 5 acre staging area to replace the Water Tanks staging area which had become woefully too small for the traffic.
• Assisted with paving Water Tank Road to accommodate increased traffic
• Liaison with Utah State Parks and DNR Law Enforcement to stabilize rates being charged to Events using Sand Hollow State Park
• Led campaign to protect OHV on West side of Sand Mountain and allow the reservoir project without serious objections.
• Participated in numerous cleanups of trash being dumped on perimeters of public lands
• Obtained Access Protection Grant from Utah DNR
• Obtained Grant from Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative to protect Flintstone House on Sand Mountain
• Liaison established with Utah Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office
• Increased size of Board of Trustees to include wider geographic representation and more diverse outdoor recreation activities
• Increased our Follower base on social media over 400%
• Engaged with Utah Legislature on numerous bills affecting use of public lands
• Participated with DOR OHV program for media creation
• Organized and cosponsored NEPA Advanced Training Workshop with BlueRibbon and SLOREX
• Constant Coordination with BlueRibbon Coalition on actions affecting public lands
• Donated $103,316 to BlueRibbon Coalition for Legal Support
• Participated on countless podcasts and Zoom interviews
• Recognition by Western Priorities as one of 6 members of the National Monuments Disinformation Brigade
• Presentations of Major Legal Battle Wins at Family Motor Coach Association 4 Wheelers and at NMRAC meeting
• Hired Professional Natural Resource Consultant to supercharge our efforts at creating substantive and extensive comments. We submitted comments on:
  • Labyrinth Rim  Travel Management Plan
  • Manti-La Sal National Forest Land Management Plan
  • San Rafael Swell Preliminary and Draft EA Travel Management Plan
  • Henry Mountains Preliminary and Draft EA Travel Management Plan
  • Bears Ears National Monument Resource Management Plan
  • Dolores River  Travel Management Plan Scoping
  • BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Rule
  • Red Cliffs Warner Valley Land Exchange Scoping and EA Comments
  • Western Solar Plan
• We participated in many events/meetings to spread our message
  • UTV Takeover
  • OHV Day on the Hill (Legislative)
  • Big 20 Ride
  • Trail Hero
  • Winter 4×4 Jamboree
  • Iron Country OHV
  • Salt Lake Off Road Expo
  • UORA Roundtables
  • SxS Adventure Rally on the Rocks
  • Outlaw ATV Jamboree
  • Vernal Rock Rally
  • Castle Country 4×4 Club Meeting
  • Tri State ATV Club Meetings
  • Utah ATV Association Meetings
  • UT/AZ ATV Club Meeting
  • Bryce Canyon Recreation Council
  • BLM Blueprint Conference
  • House Congressional Hearing in St George on Public Lands
  • Barracks Trail Ride with UT/AZ ATV Club and BLM to Retain OHV Access
  • Matt’s Offroad Games
  • North American Motorized Recreation Council Meeting (NAMRC)

Major New Goals:

• Educate OHV users on the threats to access to our public lands, interventions UPLA and other organizations are engaged in, and how users can help us protect access to our public lands. Educate clubs on how to utilize OHVR grants to accomplish projects, find funding, and utilize UDOR Regional Trail Crews as needed. We are going to promote safe and responsible OHV use using many approaches. Develop and distribute training videos as necessary to educate OHV users on proper etiquette and behaviors such as how OHV riders should behave when they encounter Equestrians on a shared trail, or perhaps how to make effective contacts with local, state and Federal agencies and elected officials.
• Develop and Publish a Utah OHV Impact Study in coordination with UDOR. The study will be completed by a major Utah University, and will be the first one done since 2008 that analyzes the benefits of OHV. This will be an important tool to demonstrate the trends of OHV recreation in Utah, compare it to surrounding states, and provide information for communities to use in developing resources for OHV Recreation.
• Coordinate with Utah Department of Outdoor Recreation to develop and promote common goals, including existing programs such as OHV Program rider education.
• Expand our Board of Trustees to identify and include other outdoor recreation users that share our goals of broad access to our public lands. Our By Laws authorize up to 24 Trustees, we now have 16 Trustees from around Utah representing 4×4, UTV/ATV, Motorcycles, Repair Shops, OHV Clubs, Law Enforcement, Media Production, Education, Mountain Biking, and Competitive Events. Short Term Goals include continuing to expand representation with other areas such as event organizers, equestrians, mapping and similar.
  • Dec 2025           Additional 2 Members, Total 17 Members
  • Dec 2026           Additional 2 Members, Total 20 Members
• Specific Actions to Support Goals
  • Social Media Presence-Social Media and Emailed Newsletter Support are a key way to educate users about our goals and calls to action. Here are some specific goals:
    • Facebook-Increase Views from 45,000 and Reach of 10,000 to
      • Dec 2025           Views 50,000   Reach 12,000
      • Dec 2026           Views 55,000    Reach 14,000
    • Instagram Increase Views from 35,000, Reach from 15,000
      • Dec 2025           Views  45,000    Reach to 20,000
      • Dec 2026           Views   55,000     Reach to 25,000
    • Expand Youtube and X Channel Engagement
    • Increase Subscribers from 5200 to following and maintain Open Rate of >50% on Constant Contact
      • Dec 2025           6000
      • Dec 2026           6500
    • Grow Club Contacts 15% each year, currently 132
  • Club and Event Attendance
    • In 2024, we attended 10 OHV Club Meetings, all in SW Utah. We want to double these meetings throughout the state. 15 in 2025, 25 in 2026.
    • Events-In 2024, we attended 35 days of events to spread our message. We want to increase these to 45 days in 2025 and 50 days in 2026
  • Build TrailSaver and Comments Coach to increase substantive user comments. Goals cannot be set at this time for Comments Coach because we do not have an accurate forecast of the number of travel plans to be implemented under the new administration. Goal will be to accumulate 700 Trail Saver reports in database by Dec 2025, 1,400 in 2026.
  • Build our volunteer efforts to achieve wider engagement so we can be present in more in-the-field activities. Encourage participation with other non profits and government programs such as the Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program.
  • Develop personal relationships with Land Managers around the State. In person meetings and trail rides with staff and local clubs.
  • Hire a Professional Executive Director to further expand our reach and effectiveness and develop activity and accountability reporting
• Lobbying-As a 501(c)3, UPLA is allowed to engage in limited lobbying activity. We filed 501(h) lobbying election so that we have clearly defined limits on our engagement level. Only registered lobbyists and unpaid volunteers and board members will be engaged in lobbying activities.
• Financial Growth-Continue pursuing diverse funding to accomplish our mission by ensuring we can support all of the following:
  • Donations for litigation and lobbying for access protection to other organizations-$50,000 Annually
  • Program Expenses have averaged approximately $100,000 annually for the last 2 years. We need to continue offering more financial support to other groups and organizations by offering funding support for their projects (for example… helping OHVR grant recipients meet their match requirements)
  • Provide Grant Writing Assistance to other Organizations, including financial assistance
  • Identify and Develop Diverse Funding Sources with private fundraising efforts with continued focus on donations from donor advised funds, securities transfers, and property donations
  • Apply for and utilize grants as needed to achieve our goals