SLC Times

Senator Mike Lee has voiced his disapproval of the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) finalized management plan for the Bears Ears National Monument in Southern Utah. The monument, spanning 1.36 million acres, is at the center of a dispute over land management practices.

Lee criticized the Biden administration for what he perceives as a lack of local involvement in the decision-making process. "Once again, the Biden administration has imposed a one-size-fits-all management plan that disregards the voices of those who know the land best—Utahns," Lee stated. He expressed concern that while special interests were considered, local stakeholders such as ranchers and recreationists were not given adequate attention.

The senator also pointed out that despite prolonged negotiations, an anticipated land exchange with the State Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA) was not completed. He attributed this to what he sees as a lack of genuine collaboration from federal authorities.

"This plan is the latest in a long line of top-down, federal overreach that prioritizes political agendas over real solutions," Lee remarked. He urged for a revision of the plan to ensure more substantial input from Utah residents.

Senator Lee's call to action highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal priorities in land management decisions.