Those opposed to the Bureau of Land Management’s Dinosaur North Travel Management Plan which could restrict public access of up to 250 miles of road within the Vernal District likely have reason to hope or at least it certainly looks that way with Trump in office. In 2023, the BLM closed 317 miles of OHV trails west of Moab in Grand County as part of their Labyrinth Canyon and Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan. Closures there included a river access road as well as several world famous Jeep safari routes. Similar actions have been taken or are in process throughout the region and beyond. Earlier this month, the Resource Management Plan for the Rock Springs area which had been pushed through and finalized in December was shut down by the Trump administration. Wyoming’s Governor and many other leaders and citizens who were opposed to the plans are very hopeful their voices will now be heard as the December decision is under review. The Dinosaur North Travel Management Plan which is scheduled for 2025 was anticipated to be just the first of other plans in northeastern Utah, including the Book Cliffs and 9 Mile Canyon in Duchesne County. Those opposed to the closures argue that these lands are critical to the way of life and economy of local communities and that responsible use practices are already in place for recreation, industry, cattle grazing and more. Evans Family Media will report updates on the Dinosaur North Travel Management Plan as they become available.
