The Grand County Commission in Utah is proposing even more restrictions on the motorized community near and around Moab. On December 6, 2022 the Grand County Commission will continue their attacks on motorized outdoor recreation by proposing to amend Title 17 of the Grand County General Ordinances to prohibit take-offs and landings of all aircrafts in areas outside of approved “landing or take-off areas.”
We invite all members of the aviation community to share their opposition to this proposed ordinance by filling out the following form:
Full Briefing:
The ordinance makes an exception for commercial aviation operators performing government work, agricultural work, commercial filming or search and rescue operations, but the ordinance is still problematic and an insult to an industry that has worked hard to benefit the people of Grand County.
Read the draft ordinance here:
The general aviation community has communicated strong opposition to this ordinance, because Grand County is a popular destination for recreational backcountry aviation exploration. There are concerns that the definitions for the exempted groups are vague. The ordinance doesn’t specify a definition for an approved landing or take-off area. The proposed restriction on aviation is also an insult to the many skilled pilots and operators who have used their highly specialized skill set to benefit the people and visitors to Grand County. the same helicopter pilot who saves lives flying search and rescue operations, is the same pilot who might fly to a remote location in Grand County for a backcountry camping experience when off duty.
It should also be noted that the same Grand County elected officials who want to ban recreation aviation access to Grand County unanimously voted to recommend that BLM close important backcountry airstrips. So, at the same time they are restricting landing and take-off to approved areas, they are also working to eliminate the approved areas. This is an assault on a user group that should welcomed with open arms instead of shunned because of a handful of unsubstantiated user complaints.
The following is from a letter sent by the Grand County Commission in 2021 to the BLM. This letter passed with a 7-0 vote.
We encourage the aviation community to stand up against this reckless and unnecessary attempt to restrict recreation access to public lands in Grand County. The form letter below can be sent to the Grand County Commission with just a few minutes of your time. However, if you have experience as an aviation user in Grand County, you are encouraged to personalize your comment to share any specific concerns you have in addition to the main concerns we have identified.
For reference, here is the full letter Grand County sent to BLM asking them to restrict aviation access to public land:
You can participate in the meeting December 6, 2022 at 4pm MST via zoom or youtube.
We add our support to the comments and information given by the Utah Back Country Pilots Association.
Please take a hard look at the cost of closures of this airstrip access.
Recreatioalists depend on a certain type of primitiveness. Recreationalists are such as the word denotes: re-create. Stress is eliviated in these primitive surroundings.
Please stop and realize the access lost!!!
This access is critical to recreating in Utah. All this da special regs on space makes it had for pilot that fly all over the country to comply with all the local laws even thought a reasonable effort is made to follow local laws
Keep free land free!
I oppose restricting recreational access to public lands in Grand County
Keep public lands open to the public. Air sports are just as a legitimate use us anything else. We love and respect these lands and that’s why we choose to recreate here.
I am for the responsible use of public land which up until now has been the norm.
Instead of closing it to everyone, restrict access to the people causing the hard and not the people that maintain and use the trails in a normal purpose
Public lands are for the public. Keep your damned red-tape tied government bureaucracy hand out of it.
The land is for everyone to enjoy. Let everyone enjoy it how they please, get along! Aircraft are very important, especially when you are in dire need of emergency help. Anyone opposing aircraft in this are ultimately putting their own lives and others at risk when a real emergency is happening. If you oppose aircraft in this area, do not ever ask for aircraft to get you out of a life threatening situation. The pilots flying in this area may become your next airline or rescue pilot. The skills gained flying in this area may be the reason why if one day a real emergency happens, they are able to save your life. Instead of being frustrated about the aircraft, go and learn how to fly. That way you would understand what aviation is all about. The FAA does not just hand out Pilot Certificates as it takes lots of time and skill to obtain. No experience in aviation, then any comments to limit aircraft in this area are irrelevant.
Please stop restricting how we recreate. My wife is handicap. She can not hike. You are talking about taking one or more ways to get her to these incredible places. JUST PLEASE STOP!
Stop restricting the use of public lands. These are our lands not your private play ground.
Why would you limit the access to public land for the very same people that have to pay taxes to maintain that public land. Now that’s discrimination.
This is atrocious and needs to be stopped. Much of the western United States is controlled by the bureau land management and was smartly moved to be headquartered in Denver. The new administration repealed all of the headquarter relocations
Because Grand County is a popular destination for recreational backcountry aviation exploration. There are concerns that the definitions for the exempted groups are vague. The ordinance doesn’t specify a definition for an approved landing or take-off area. The proposed restriction on aviation is also an insult to the many skilled pilots and operators who have used their highly specialized skill set to benefit the people and visitors to Grand County. The same helicopter pilot who saves lives flying search and rescue operations, is the same pilot who might fly to a remote location in Grand County for a backcountry camping experience when off duty.
It should also be noted that the same Grand County elected officials who want to ban recreation aviation access to Grand County unanimously voted to recommend that BLM close important backcountry airstrips. So, at the same time they are restricting landing and take-off to approved areas, they are also working to eliminate the approved areas. This is an assault on a user group that should be welcomed with open arms instead of shunned because of a handful of unsubstantiated user complaints.
Aircraft operations are recognized by the State of Utah under Title 57-14 as an authorized recreational purpose. Furthermore, Aircraft Operations on public (and private) lands are protected by Utah’s Recreational Use Statutes, resolving the public (and private) land owners of any liability.
Only for brief periods during departure is the noise of aircraft heard. Being transient in nature, aircraft noise is significantly less than other motorized conveyances.
A robust backcountry airstrip network benefits the public by providing access to public lands in addition to providing safe areas for aircraft providing search and rescue, firefighting, and other emergency needs.
While I do not support this amendment being codified into law, I believe that there’s an opportunity to work together with Grand County to educate them on the benefits of recreational backcountry aviation.
Clearly Grand County does not understand the concept of the word
“Public” which in and of itself defines the inherent use of this land.
It is for ALL to enjoy, not a perceived few. This land has been open to
the public for generations (precedence) and has been paid for by
public funds, tax payer funds, park fees, etc. It is not privately funded,
nor is it privately cared for. This land is not your private playground,
it does not belong to you. This land, this PUBLIC land, belongs to the
citizens of the United States of America.
I do not support limiting backcountry aviation access. These are multi use lands and backcountry aviation should be allowed.
Its interesting that they will allow aircraft to land for filming but not recreation. I bet 1 day of filming is more disruptive and destructive than a years worth of recreational use.
Let’s public lands use as they are intended, by all not just those that one to monetize it.
Stop trying to limit access to OUR public lands!
There is enough wilderness. And most users are going to get part way there via some sort motorized vehicle.
This is multiple use recreational land. Let’s get out and enjoy!
Most pilots will practice noise abatement procedures/techniques on their own in consideration of others and safety,don’t let a couple of thoughtless people cause knee jerk reactions. Why the drama?