SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – On February 4, 2021, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and the Wilderness Society (collectively, SUWA) filed a motion to dismiss their appeal of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Record of Decision for the San Rafael Desert Travel Management Plan, IBLA No. 2020-0414. BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) is defendant intervenor in the appeal, and they support the Appellants’ withdrawal of Appeal.

In their motion to dismiss, SUWA recognized that the “motion is warranted because, after reviewing the administrative record, SUWA no longer wishes to pursue this appeal.”

The administrative record is extensive, and it reflects the BLM’s effort to take a hard look at the varied dimensions of travel management planning. SUWA’s appeal sought to close existing routes to off-road use even though the routes had a clear purpose and need. The appeal also challenged BLM’s decision to leave the area open to dispersed camping.

“No planning process is perfect, but those who support access to public land are looking forward to seeing the implementation of this plan,” BRC Policy Director, Ben Burr said. “The San Rafael Desert is a spectacular area, and now the public can explore this area with the certainty of an official roadmap. While those who oppose access to public land have retreated on this appeal, we hope those who enjoy the freedom of dispersed camping on public land fully understand the importance of fighting to maintain their access.”

Join the Dispersed Camping Access Alliance to protect dispersed camping on public land: https://www.sharetrails.org/camp-free-join-the-dispersed-camping-access-alliance-to-protect-dispersed-camping/

Read the Withdrawal of the Appeal here:

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