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Concurrent Resolution Supporting Federal Public Lands in Utah
2026 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Nate Blouin
House Sponsor:
LONG TITLE
General Description:
This resolution addresses the federal government's stewardship of Utah's public lands.
Highlighted Provisions:
This resolution:
highlights the natural, historical, and cultural significance of Utah's federally managed
public lands;
recognizes the federal government's effective management of Utah's public lands; and
expresses support for the federal government's continued preservation of Utah's public
lands for future generations.
Money Appropriated in this Bill:
None
Other Special Clauses:
None
Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
WHEREAS, Utah is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United
States, including towering red rock formations, vast forests, pristine alpine wilderness, and
sweeping desert vistas;
WHEREAS, Utah's federally managed public lands are held in trust for all to enjoy,
allowing current and future generations to experience the natural, cultural, historical, and
recreational wonders that define the American West;
WHEREAS, federally managed public lands in Utah contribute significantly to the state's
economy through outdoor recreation, tourism, hunting, fishing, scientific research, and
sustainable resource use, helping to sustain local communities while preserving natural
heritage;
WHEREAS, local residents and tribes value the culturally and historically significant
artifacts and sites in the state;
WHEREAS, the citizens of the state desire effective, efficient, and consistent stewardship
of the public lands;
WHEREAS, Utah's federally managed public lands include an exceptional diversity of
places such as Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce
Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest,
the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Desolation Canyon and Labyrinth
Canyon Wilderness Areas, the High Uintas Wilderness Area, Fishlake National Forest, and
millions of scenic and ecologically valuable acres in between;
WHEREAS, many different federal statutes and other laws provide effective and
comprehensive layers of protection for our lands, water, air, and cultural resources;
WHEREAS, continual battling with the federal government over the management of our
public lands leads to gridlock and instability which negatively impacts the ability of our
citizens and visitors to enjoy, access, and utilize our public lands;
WHEREAS, the state and federal governments share interests, along with the tribes, in
preserving sensitive areas and artifacts, in creating a balanced approach to managing national
monuments;
WHEREAS, Utah continues to partner with the United States Forest Service, Natural
Resources Conservation Service, and other federal agencies to reduce the risk of catastrophic
wildfires and protect Utah's critical water sources; and
WHEREAS, maintaining these lands under federal management safeguards critical wildlife
habitat, protects water quality and air resources, and upholds cultural and archaeological
treasures that are integral to Utah's history and identity:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
Governor concurring therein, expresses strong and unequivocal support for the protection of
Utah's public lands, recognizing these lands as a national treasure and a defining feature of the
state's remarkable character.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature proclaims Utah's public lands should
remain in the public domain, managed by federal agencies on behalf of all Americans,
ensuring the state's beauty, ecological integrity, and cultural significance is preserved for
generations to come.
3-2-26 3:30 PM