Boulder Council affirms support for Grand Staircase-Escalante management plan, passes related resolution 4-1

The Boulder Town Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to adopt a resolution expressing support for the current management plan for the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.

Mayor Cheryl Cox framed the resolution as a continuation of Boulder’s prior support, noting that town officials and others had previously opposed reductions to the monument. Councilmember John Veranth, who moved the measure, said the plan “was developed with meaningful community input over several years” and argued that congressional changes could override that local process. Councilmember Josh Ellis was the lone dissent, questioning the urgency of a local council resolution in the face of ongoing federal discussions.

The resolution’s supporters said the town’s voice matters as stakeholders in upcoming actions Washington, D.C., may take. Mayor Cox conducted an informal audience poll during the meeting that showed visible support for the resolution.

The council’s action was procedural rather than regulatory: the resolution registers the town’s position and does not itself change zoning or land-use rules. The minutes note a correction is needed to the general plan update date referenced in the draft text.

The council approved the measure on a roll-call vote: Josh Ellis — Nay; Tina Karlsson — Aye; John Veranth — Aye; Lacy Allen — Aye; Mayor Cheryl Cox — Aye. The resolution will join the town’s record of correspondence on federal land-management matters.