President Trump is expected to sign actions reducing Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments in southern Utah, according to conservation groups and media reporting cited by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, or SUWA, said Friday that the expected actions would be unlawful and would create uncertainty for two of the region’s most prominent public-land protections.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument was designated in 1996. The Bureau of Land Management describes it as nearly 1.9 million acres of cliffs, canyons, plateaus and badlands in southern Utah.
Bears Ears National Monument was designated in 2016. The original proclamation said the monument was intended to protect cultural, prehistoric, historic and scientific resources. The proposal was led by five Tribal Nations: the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe, the Pueblo of Zuni, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Ute Indian Tribe.
In a statement, SUWA Executive Director Scott Braden called the anticipated reductions “unlawful, unwise, and unacceptable.” The group said it is prepared to challenge the actions in court or Congress.
Earthjustice also said Friday that it would take legal action if the Trump administration moves forward with reductions.
This would not be the first time Trump has attempted to shrink the two Utah monuments. In 2017, during his first term, Trump reduced Grand Staircase-Escalante by nearly half and split Bears Ears into smaller units. Conservation groups and Tribal Nations sued over those actions.
President Biden restored the monuments’ boundaries in 2021. New management plans for both monuments were finalized in January 2025.
The legal fight centers on the Antiquities Act, the 1906 law that allows presidents to designate national monuments. Conservation groups argue the law gives presidents authority to create monuments, but not to reduce or eliminate protections without Congress.
The expected monument actions come as southwest Colorado continues dealing with wildfire evacuations.
On the Ferris Fire in Montezuma and Dolores counties, Dolores County officials have reduced several evacuation levels.
Zone 1, also known as Glade Ranch, has moved back to SET status. Residents may return under restricted access, but they must have a re-entry card to pass checkpoints. Cards can be picked up at 8477 Road 7.7 in Dove Creek with identification. Access is only through Dolores-Norwood Road and Salter Y.
Dolores County also says Zones 7, 8, 9, 11 and 13 have moved back to READY status. READY means residents should stay aware and prepared, but those areas are not under pre-evacuation or evacuation order.
Officials caution that heavy fire traffic will continue, and fire danger remains extreme.
The Dolores County Evacuation Check-In Center has moved to 8477 Road 7.7 in Dove Creek. That is where residents can pick up re-entry cards for restricted areas. Dolores County says landowners and permittees will not be allowed into restricted areas without a card.
Residents with questions can call 970-769-0005.
Residents should continue checking Dolores County Emergency Management and official fire updates for current evacuation boundaries, access rules and closure information.
