Boulder council reaffirms support for Grand Staircase monument, sends follow‑up on OHV bill

Boulder — The Town Council voted Tuesday to reaffirm its prior support for the Grand Staircase‑Escalante National Monument and to continue municipal opposition to recent administrative moves and proposals that could weaken the monument’s management.

The council discussed a draft resolution that cites the town’s prior actions (including a 2018 amicus brief) and expresses concern about procedural moves that would let Congress or other entities override agency management plans. After discussion about timing and community input, the council approved the resolution by roll call (4–1). "This is our backyard," the mayor said in explaining local stakes.

In a related action the council considered follow‑up on a mayoral letter sent to state senators opposing Senate Bill S22970, legislation the town’s commenters say would permit all‑terrain vehicle access in parts of Capitol Reef National Park. Speaker 8 moved to adopt a formal resolution (listed in meeting materials as Resolution 2026‑J) to reinforce the mayoral letter; the motion passed with council recording the result as 4–0–1.

Why it matters: Both actions are symbolic municipal positions intended to signal local opposition to changes in federal or state land‑management decisions. While the resolutions do not bind state or federal agencies, they provide an official record of community concern and are intended to be distributed to decision‑makers.

What’s next: Staff will finalize the two resolution documents for distribution and may accompany the resolutions with cover letters and outreach to partners who previously joined Boulder in similar filings.

Limitations: The article reports council votes and statements recorded during the meeting and does not claim any legal effect beyond municipal advocacy.