SAVE MOAB: A TIMELINE FOR ACTION
Support the Fight to Save Our Moab Trails
You can double your impact by donating to one of these “matching donation” fundraising drives! Scroll through to see several great ways to support this fight.
Red Rock 4 Wheelers Matching Fundraising Drive
UPLA Matching Fundraising Drive
Utah Public Lands Alliance is running a strong fundraiser to raise $100,000 for our legal fights. They have commited $50,000 in matching funds, and they need your help to reach this goal.
Tri-State ATV Club Matching Fundraising Drive
Tri-State ATV Club is showing big support with a matching Fundraising Drive
Castle Country OHV Club Matching Fundraiser
The Castle Country OHV Association is matching up to $1,000 in donations. Small Local clubs can make a big Impact.
This Plan Has Broken the Balance of a Well-Managed Area
The map to the right shows the dozens of popular named trails that were closed in the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Plan. Many of the unnamed trails are spur routes to spectacular dispersed campsites that overlook deep canyons.
With millions of acres of restricted lands surrounding Moab, this area was managed well for multiple recreation uses. This plan has broken the balance of management that existed in this popular area.
Current Status of Challenge to Moab Trail Closures
On December 22, 2023, BRC took their fight against the federal government’s closure of over 300 miles of trails near Moab, UT, to the Utah federal district court. This follows the Interior Board of Land Appeals’ recent denial of a stay on the closures. Now, a federal judge will decide whether the trails will remain closed or be reopened while litigation is ongoing, impacting the Jeepers, mountain bikers, and dirt bike riders who have used them for decades.
2008
he Moab BLM completed the Resource Management Plan, closing many off-road routes in the area.
2017
A settlement between wilderness groups, the Department of the Interior, and recreation groups, including BRC, required BLM to update 13 travel management plans, affecting over 10,000 miles of off-road routes in Utah.
2019
BLM began revising the travel plan for Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges, and BRC submitted comments advocating to keep all routes open.
2021
BLM began revising the travel plan for Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges, and BRC submitted comments advocating to keep all routes open.
2022
A draft Environmental Assessment proposed closing hundreds of miles of routes. BRC submitted comments supporting minimal closures and prepared to appeal if necessary.
August 2023
BRC released Volume 2 of the Lost Trails Guidebook, highlighting routes at risk of closure in Moab and other areas.
Summer 2023
BLM finalized its camping management plan for Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges, restricting dispersed camping and closing many original campsites due to wildlife concerns.
September 28, 2023
BLM closed 317 miles of backcountry roads and many campsites, limiting access to scenic viewpoints and popular trails. BRC vowed to fight the decision and outlined actions the public could take.
Fall 2023
BRC worked with contacts in Washington, DC, to draft legislation addressing concerns about the closures. Senator Lee introduced the Historic Roadways Protection Act in the Senate, followed by Rep. Curtis in the House.
November 28, 2023
The Department of Interior appeals board denied BRC’s petition to stay the closures, officially closing the trails.
October 2023
BRC filed an administrative appeal challenging the closures as a violation of NEPA, the Dingell Act, and other laws.
December 22, 2023
BRC filed a federal court challenge in Utah to overturn the closures, with a judge set to decide whether the trails will remain closed during litigation.
Your Action Matters: Help Shape the Final Decision
Support Our Legal Challenge
Support the Historic Roadways Protection Act
