Officials: Tourism unchanged by Bears Ears designation

In the wake of changes to a national monument boundary, officials in Kane and Garfield counties are reminding the public that “tourism remains the same.”

{mprestriction ids="1,3"}The Kane and Garfield county tourism offices and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management recently issued a news release to let the public know that tourism is not affected by the presidential proclamation changing the boundaries of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

The office and BLM “want to assure the public that these changes should not affect their overall outdoor experience in southern Utah,” it said. “The area’s tourist attractions and sites continue to be accessible.”

The statement said popular destinations — such as Inchworm Arch, Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons; Lick Wash; Devils Garden and Cottonwood Narrows — are available and open to the public. Outfitters and guides will continue to offer services in the area to help visitors see the unique sights, it added.

“The presidential proclamation modified the boundaries of the national monument into three management units within the monument, known as the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits and Escalante Canyons units,” said Harry Barber, acting monument manager. “The lands excluded from the monument’s boundaries continue to be managed by the BLM’s Kanab field office and will remain accessible to the public in accordance with the existing BLM management plan.”

“We are optimistic these changes won’t impact the outdoor experience in southern Utah,” said Camille Johnson, executive director of Kane County Office of Tourism. “The hikes, destinations and viewpoints that make southern Utah and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument so beautiful and worth exploring are not going anywhere. Visitors still have access to all the iconic sites and attractions; the only difference is that some areas will be managed by a different BLM office.”

“We want all visitors to know that the Garfield County and Kane County offices of tourism and the BLM are working together to continue providing a positive and fun visitor experience,” said Falyn Owens, executive director of Garfield County Office of Tourism.

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