SCR 11

 03-02 15:30  S.C.R. 11
1Concurrent Resolution Supporting Federal Public Lands in Utah
                                        2026 GENERAL SESSION
                                             STATE OF UTAH
                                       Chief Sponsor: Nate Blouin
                                               House Sponsor:
2
3   LONG TITLE
4   General Description:
5This resolution addresses the federal government's stewardship of Utah's public lands.
6   Highlighted Provisions:
7This resolution:
8▸ highlights the natural, historical, and cultural significance of Utah's federally managed
9   public lands;
10▸ recognizes the federal government's effective management of Utah's public lands; and
11▸ expresses support for the federal government's continued preservation of Utah's public
12   lands for future generations.
13   Money Appropriated in this Bill:
14None
15   Other Special Clauses:
16None
17
18   Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, the Governor concurring therein:
19WHEREAS, Utah is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United
20   States, including towering red rock formations, vast forests, pristine alpine wilderness, and
21   sweeping desert vistas;
22WHEREAS, Utah's federally managed public lands are held in trust for all to enjoy,
23   allowing current and future generations to experience the natural, cultural, historical, and
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24   recreational wonders that define the American West;
25WHEREAS, federally managed public lands in Utah contribute significantly to the state's
26   economy through outdoor recreation, tourism, hunting, fishing, scientific research, and
27   sustainable resource use, helping to sustain local communities while preserving natural
28   heritage;
29WHEREAS, local residents and tribes value the culturally and historically significant
30   artifacts and sites in the state;
 S.C.R. 11  03-02 15:30
31      WHEREAS, the citizens of the state desire effective, efficient, and consistent stewardship
32  of the public lands;
33      WHEREAS, Utah's federally managed public lands include an exceptional diversity of
34  places such as Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Bryce
35  Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest,
36  the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Desolation Canyon and Labyrinth
37  Canyon Wilderness Areas, the High Uintas Wilderness Area, Fishlake National Forest, and
38  millions of scenic and ecologically valuable acres in between;
39      WHEREAS, many different federal statutes and other laws provide effective and
40  comprehensive layers of protection for our lands, water, air, and cultural resources;
41      WHEREAS, continual battling with the federal government over the management of our
42  public lands leads to gridlock and instability which negatively impacts the ability of our
43  citizens and visitors to enjoy, access, and utilize our public lands;
44      WHEREAS, the state and federal governments share interests, along with the tribes, in
45  preserving sensitive areas and artifacts, in creating a balanced approach to managing national
46  monuments;
47      WHEREAS, Utah continues to partner with the United States Forest Service, Natural
48  Resources Conservation Service, and other federal agencies to reduce the risk of catastrophic
49  wildfires and protect Utah's critical water sources; and
50      WHEREAS, maintaining these lands under federal management safeguards critical wildlife
51  habitat, protects water quality and air resources, and upholds cultural and archaeological
52  treasures that are integral to Utah's history and identity:
53      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah, the
54  Governor concurring therein, expresses strong and unequivocal support for the protection of
55  Utah's public lands, recognizing these lands as a national treasure and a defining feature of the
56  state's remarkable character.
57      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature proclaims Utah's public lands should
58  remain in the public domain, managed by federal agencies on behalf of all Americans,
59  ensuring the state's beauty, ecological integrity, and cultural significance is preserved for
60  generations to come.
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