The Bears Ears National Monument (BENM) has entered a critical phase in its journey towards a sustainable future. After years of collaborative work between the five Tribal Nations of the Bears Ears Commission (BEC), the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and public stakeholders, the Proposed Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement are now available for public review. This marks a significant milestone in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
“Bears Ears is more than just a landscape—it’s a living testament to our ancestors, where their presence is felt, spiritual energy and ceremonies continue. As stewards of this sacred place, it is our duty to protect it, not just for today, but for future generations,” said Curtis Yanito, Navajo Nation Council Delegate and Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Commission. “We are committed to working closely with our federal partners but let there be no mistake—Traditional Knowledge must be at the forefront of managing Bears Ears. This sacred land, its buttes, and the life within it deserve nothing less than respect, reverence, and guidance by the wisdom of the Indigenous peoples who have cared for and blessed it for centuries.”
The completed plan will now undergo a crucial step: the consistency review. During this phase, the Governor of Utah and his staff will assess the plan’s alignment with state and local transportation plans, zoning ordinances, and other relevant regulations. They will then provide feedback to the federal agencies regarding any potential inconsistencies in the proposed final Resource Management Plan. Based on this feedback, the agencies will decide whether to address any critical inconsistencies before publishing the final plan.
The NEPA process for Bears Ears has been a remarkable journey of collaboration and inclusivity, culminating in a resource management plan that balances conservation, cultural preservation, and responsible recreation. The Bears Ears Commission, composed of elected Tribal leaders from the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Zuni Tribe, and Ute Indian Tribe, has played a vital role in ensuring that Traditional Ecological and Indigenous Knowledge are woven into the management of the Monument’s landscape and resources.
“Bears Ears is our ancestral home, where the history of our people is etched in stone, sung in our songs, and lives in the very soil beneath us,” said Anthony Sanchez Jr., Head Councilman for the Zuni Tribe and Co-Chair of the Bears Ears Commission. “This landscape defines who we are, and it’s our sacred duty to protect it for generations to come. We urge our federal partners and all stakeholders to ensure that Indigenous Knowledge leads the way in the management of this sacred place. Only by honoring our knowledge, contributions, and traditions can we give Bears Ears the respect it truly deserves.”
The establishment of the monument at the request of the Tribes marked a historic and innovative step in public lands management, recognizing the long-overlooked importance of integrating Traditional Knowledge into federal stewardship practices. The Presidential Proclamation also formally recognized the Tribes, through the Bears Ears Commission, as collaborative management partners, ensuring Indigenous leadership plays a vital role in safeguarding and shaping the future of this sacred landscape—an unprecedented development in the history of U.S. public lands management.
The NEPA process for Bears Ears has been marked by significant milestones, including:
*
Public Scoping:
This phase involved engaging communities, Tribes, local governments, and stakeholders to gather input on managing the Monument.*
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS):
Released earlier this year, this document outlined proposed plans and alternatives for managing the land’s ecological, cultural, and recreational resources.*
Public Comment Period:
The 90-day public comment period garnered nearly 21,000 comments, with a majority supporting collaborative management and Indigenous-led conservation efforts.Following the Governor’s review, the plan will return to federal agencies, including the BLM and the USFS, for finalization. Once this process is complete, the management plan will be finalized and published as part of a Record of Decision by the agencies. This final plan will guide the future of Bears Ears for many years, ensuring its cultural and ecological significance is preserved for generations to come, for all.
