There is some mixed news from southeast Utah for opponents of All-Terrain Vehicle abuse. The Monticello office of the Bureau of Land Management recently scaled back its proposal to approve eight new ATV events in Arch Canyon, west of Blanding. Instead the agency approved only two jeep events for the archeologically rich canyon.

In spite of the drop, the BLM’s decision remains controversial. The agency’s mid-April approval ignored the objections of the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Utah Commission, the National Trust for Historic

Preservation and independent archaeology, biology and riparian experts. In addition, local businesses, approximately 24,000 citizens from around the country, and conservation groups all objected to ATV events in an area rich with cultural and natural resources.

Opponents charge that the BLM’s decision will still increase the number of motorized visitors in the 8-mile stretch of Arch Canyon and effectively authorizes approximately 12,000 additional vehicle crossings of the stream.

“It is unconscionable that BLM is not willing to protect a beautiful canyon with such significant cultural, archae

ological and natural values,” said Liz Thomas, of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. “There are thousands of miles of dirt roads in southeastern Utah that would be much more appropriate for motorized vehicle events, but BLM appears to be caving in to local political pressure.”

Arch Canyon has been the site of previous, controversial ATV events. In 2004, Lynn Stevens, a San Juan County commissioner, defied the BLM and led the Jeep Jamboree in Arch Canyon, after BLM had denied the permit application.

– Will Sands