Motorized vehicles have been a part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area experience since its inception. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the impact of off-road vehicles on the landscape. A recent settlement between the National Park Service and environmental groups will now restrict ORV use within the protected area.
The revised final rule will restrict motorized use on Lake Powell’s shorelines and prohibit ORV use in a portion of the Orange Cliffs Special Management Unit. The settlement does not impact recreation on Lake Powell.
Environmental groups argued that ORVs cause water pollution, soil erosion, wildlife disturbances, habitat destruction, and conflicts between motorized and non-motorized recreators. The 2021 rule, according to the nonprofits, threatened to “degrade and permanently damage the wild lands within Glen Canyon.”
“We hope that this new final rule will result in a better balance between off-road vehicle use and the opportunities to seek solace and primitive recreation,” said Hanna Larsen, a staff attorney for the SUWA. “Having a better balance of these different types of recreation better suits the purpose of the recreation area.”
Some off-road vehicle users find the settlement terms unfair.
“Glen Canyon is a national recreation area,” said Ben Burr, executive director for the BlueRibbon Coalition, an off-roading and recreation advocacy nonprofit. “It should be managed for recreation.”
The revised rule will also clarify that ORVs can only be used to travel to a shoreline and back, like for putting watercraft in the lake, in shoreline areas. One exception is in the Lone Rock Beach Play Area, which is designated for ORV use.
The revised rule must be published by the NPS no later than January 10, 2025. There will be a 60-day public comment period before the revised rule is finalized.
