Sage Grouse Courtesy US FWSWhat’s happening: The Bureau of Land Management is considering significant changes in how they manage sage grouse on over 50 million acres of habitat across the West, including here in Utah. Please speak up to protecting this species, which will benefit communities and so many other wildlife found in sagebrush country.
With a majority of Greater Sage-grouse found on public lands, we want BLM to succeed with good plans and address concerns that we have – which include proposed changes to habitat designations (and thus management actions) in Utah!
Take Action to Preserve the US Forest Service Roadless Rule Comment by Sept 19th
The USDA Forest Service is rescinding the roadless rule implemented to protect forests without roads in 2001. This is a clear grab for us and our children to pay to open forests up for logging. Many of these roadless forest properties have near Wilderness qualities and are in many cases adjacent to declared Wilderness. Help preserve connected wild lands to promote wildlife protection, watersheds, reduce human-caused wildfires and current and ongoing costs.
We recommend telling the Forest Service you support preserving undefiled forest property.
The 2001 Roadless Rule established prohibitions on road construction, road reconstruction, and timber harvesting in nearly 60 million acres inventoried roadless areas, with limited exceptions. Today, the 2001 Roadless Rule applies to nearly 45 million acres of National Forest System lands, including in Alaska.
The 2020 Alaska Roadless Rule, which exempted the Tongass National Forest in Alaska from roadless protections, was repealed on Jan. 27, 2023, returning the inventoried roadless areas of the forest to management under the 2001 Roadless Rule. For more information see the project documents.
The 2001 Roadless Rule no longer applies to more than 9 million acres in Idaho and more than 4 million acres in Colorado. Those state-specific roadless rules supersede 2001 rule. –more–
Inventoried Roadless Areas on National Forest System Lands Courtesy USDA Forest Service
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USDA Forest Service Press Releases For Removing the Roadless Rule:
Earthjustice Responds as Trump Administration Takes Aim at Longstanding Rule Protecting National Forestlands, Earthjustice, June 23, 2025,
https://earthjustice.org/press/2025/earthjustice-responds-as-trump-administration-takes-aim-at-longstanding-rule-protecting-national-forestlands
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This is not the first time that our protected lands have been endangered. Learn about the efforts of Bernard and Avis DeVoto to protect wild places:
“In late-1940s America, few writers commanded attention like Bernard DeVoto. Alongside his brilliant wife and editor, Avis, DeVoto was a firebrand of American liberty, free speech, and perhaps our greatest national treasure: public lands. But when a corrupt band of lawmakers, led by Senator Pat McCarran, sought to quietly cede millions of acres of national parks and other western lands to logging, mining, and private industry, the DeVotos entered the fight of their lives. Bernard and Avis built a broad grassroots coalition to sound the alarm—from Julia and Paul Child to Ansel Adams, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Alfred Knopf, Adlai Stevenson, and Wallace Stegner—while the very pillars of American democracy, embodied in free and public access to Western lands, hung in the balance. Their dramatic crusade would earn them censorship and blacklisting by Joe McCarthy, J. Edgar Hoover, and Roy Cohn, and it even cost Bernard his life. –more–“
(and this is the rarer of the two species of Joshua Tree; Yucca brevifolia does not for example occur in Utah as currently understood)
When this species was denied for ESA listing based on the latest petition, the conclusion by the FWS was:
“The best available information indicates that substantial habitat loss due to development, military training, or renewable energy development is unlikely in the foreseeable future. ”
Special Great Salt Lake License Plate https://www.utahsenatedemocrats.org/gslplateIntroducing the Special Great Salt Lake License Plate – Show Your Support for Preserving Utah’s Natural Wonder!
Calling all nature enthusiasts, conservationists, and proud Utah residents! Here’s your chance to make a tangible difference and showcase your love for the majestic Great Salt Lake. We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Special Great Salt Lake License Plate—a unique opportunity for you to support the preservation and restoration of this incredible natural treasure.
By signing up and applying for the Special Great Salt Lake License Plate, you become an advocate for the ecological health and vitality of one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks. The Great Salt Lake holds immense ecological importance, serving as a vital habitat for countless bird species and supporting a delicate balance of ecosystems. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a lasting impact. Apply for your Special Great Salt Lake License Plate today and be part of a movement that supports the ongoing conservation efforts for this irreplaceable natural gem.
The first step is for 500 people to apply for a plate. We would love to start seeing these plates on cars as soon as this fall… so sign up now, share this with your friends and family, and join your fellow lake supporters!
Together, we can ensure that the Great Salt Lake continues to inspire, educate, and captivate for years to come.
FAQ
If you have a question about timelines, personalization, the preservation fund, collector’s plates, etc. please visit our FAQ page at :
