Red Cliffs Warner Valley Land Exchange: UPLA, BlueRibbon, and Desert Roads and Trails Society File Joint Protest for OHV Access Clarification

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has issued its official Record of Decision (ROD) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Red Cliffs Warner Valley Land Exchange, documented under DOI-BLM-UT-C030-2023-0008-EA. This long-debated project includes the construction of a new reservoir and water infrastructure intended to meet critical community needs in Washington County, Utah.

From the beginning, Utah Public Lands Alliance (UPLA), BlueRibbon Coalition, and Desert Roads and Trails Society evaluated the proposal carefully. While recognizing the need for water infrastructure and the benefits it brings, the groups made a strategic decision not to oppose the project outright but instead to work proactively to secure protections for recreation and open access in the area.

Specifically, the groups negotiated and prioritized five key commitments:

1. Preserve open OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) access on top of the ridge
2. Prevent future residential development on the east side of the West Rim Ridge
3. Maintain OHV access from the Washington Dam staging area floor
4. Support building an improved staging area at Washington Dam with amenities such as restrooms
5. Develop alternatives to accommodate dispersed camping displaced by the reservoir footprint

After reviewing the final BLM documents, UPLA, BlueRibbon Coalition, and Desert Roads and Trails Society are filing a joint protest seeking only one clarification: that the BLM explicitly confirms in the Decision Record that the entire West Rim area, above Pipeline Road, will remain designated as open OHV access.

This clarification aligns with the commitments already made by the Washington County Water Conservancy District (WCWCD), which passed a formal resolution on May 3, 2023, stating they will ensure the eastern portion of the federal parcel, not affected by the reservoir’s high-water mark, remains available for open OHV use — even if BLM’s language falls short.

You can reference the official documents and supporting materials on the UPLA website:

• WCWCD Resolution and Attachments
• Environmental Assessment Recreation Section (Pages 56–58)
• Environmental Assessment ROW Easement Section (Pages 68–71)
• Decision Record Pages 3–4

The complete BLM project files can be accessed at the BLM ePlanning website: BLM Red Cliffs Warner Valley Land Exchange.

We encourage all interested readers, OHV users, and public lands advocates to review these documents carefully. If you identify any additional concerns or points you believe should be raised, please email your input directly to President@utahpla.com. Your voice can help ensure that recreation access and public land protections remain at the forefront of this important community project.

Our Press Release Can Be Found Here

By Loren Campbell, President, Utah Public Lands Alliance

What the Maloy-Amodei Amendment Really Does

This bill does not mandate the sale of public land. It simply makes 94 specific parcels—totaling 12,982 acres—available for purchase by local governments at fair market value. Of these, 12,920 acres are in Washington County. That’s just about 2% of the 629,000 acres of BLM-managed land in the county, or 1.5% of all federally managed land in the area.

The requested parcels originate from long-standing local planning documents. Some have been under Recreation and Public Purpose (R&PP) requests for years. This bill provides the mechanism to finally act on these plans through a transparent process involving appraisals and local decision-making.

Empowering Local Control

Utah has consistently called for the transfer of certain federally managed lands to local control—this bill is a direct response to that need. Allowing local governments to acquire these parcels enhances their ability to manage them in ways that benefit residents, whether for infrastructure, parks, utilities, or other public purposes.

Critics have claimed these parcels will be used for “affordable housing.” But in Utah, the amendment includes no specific use restrictions—and only a handful of parcels are even being considered for housing. Each municipality will determine land use based on their community needs, with no federal mandate or blanket development plan.

Preserving Recreation and Scenic Values

We conducted a parcel-by-parcel analysis of all 94 areas, including map reviews and field visits for those requiring closer inspection. Of these, 32 parcels were flagged for deeper review. Working alongside representatives from the Washington County Water Conservancy District, Washington County, Congresswoman Maloy’s office, and recreation advocacy groups—including Utah

Public Lands Alliance, Desert Roads and Trails Society, and the BlueRibbon Coalition—we evaluated each parcel’s potential impact on OHV use, other recreation, and scenic value.

The result? We found no significant adverse impacts to OHV access or outdoor recreation. Many parcels are already encumbered with utility easements or limited-use authorizations. Transferring these lands to local control will improve the ability to make upgrades such as utility extensions, road improvements, or public access enhancements.

A Public Purpose for the People

Every parcel identified in the amendment serves a clear public purpose—whether for water infrastructure, trailheads, civic expansion, or improving public access. By converting these areas from uncertain federal status to accountable local stewardship, this amendment gives communities the tools to responsibly meet growing regional needs.

Conclusion: Rejecting Misinformation, Embracing Opportunity

Unfortunately, much of the media coverage surrounding this bill has relied on emotional appeals rather than facts. Let’s set the record straight: this amendment empowers local governments to purchase select parcels for meaningful public use. It does so with safeguards, local input, and full appraisal transparency.

We stand in full support of Congresswoman Celeste Maloy for her leadership and responsiveness to Utah’s long-standing call for balanced, responsible land management. This amendment is good for Washington County, good for local governance, and good for the people who call this land home.

Click any of the articles below for more information

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Visit www.UtahPLA.com  or email President@UtahPLA.com to learn more about our Mission

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

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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.

Just a few days after the advocates gave up on the effort to create the Dolores River National Monument, they are now proposing the area be designated as a National Conservation Area. We are strongly opposed to this effort as it is just a stepping stone to even more restrictions. Here is what we are sending to support opposition of this new threat to motorized recreation and dispersed camping.

UPLA has completed our final draft of comments and you can find them here. 

If you’re ready to submit your comments, visit this BLM EPlanning site, wait for the Green Participate Now Button to come up and submit your comments. 

Comments Must be Submitted Today Monday December 16, 2024

Thank you for your Support!

Utah Public Lands Alliance

Together We Can Win,

But We Can’t Do It Without You