Vernal Resource Management Plan

"Motorized vehicles not only degrade the environment, but ruin the outdoor experience for quiet recreationists - hikers, backpackers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The BLM's mission is to manage public lands for multiple uses, not to create a playground for one group at the expense of others and the environment."
--The Salt Lake Tribune, August 29, 2008  Read editorial

Located in Utah’s extreme northeastern corner, the Vernal BLM district includes lands around Dinosaur National Monument and north to Browns Park and south into the Book Cliffs.  This diverse landscape contains habitat for Utah’s largest black bear population and offers premier wilderness canoeing and whitewater rafting opportunities on the White and Green Rivers.  Unfortunately, this region of Utah has also seen the most dramatic increase in oil and gas leasing and development in the state.  As access roads, drill pads, and new wells continue to multiply, remaining lands with wilderness character are in great peril.

Status: Final Vernal RMP released, Protest Period ended September 22, 2008.

• Read SUWA's fact sheet on the Final Vernal RMP
• Read SUWA's official protest to the Final Vernal RMP
• Read SUWA's official comments on the Vernal Draft RMP
• Read about the citizens' conservation alternative: the Greater Dinosaur/Book Cliffs Heritage Plan
• View maps of proposed off-road vehicle travel plans for the Vernal area
• View a list of specific threatened places
• Visit the BLM's Vernal RMP web page.

Wilderness in the Vernal BLM District

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