In spite of objections from the National Park Service, on August 16 the Bureau of Land Management plans to auction wilderness-quality public lands located next to Canyonlands National Park for oil and gas drilling.

As a result, a coalition of conservation interests has come together to attempt to prevent the BLM from selling land that impacts one of America's most breathtaking parks in the heart of Utah's redrock country. Grand Canyon Trust, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, National Resources Defense Council, The Wilderness Society and Western Spirit Cycling are joining forces to convince Utah BLM Director Sally Wisely not to move forward with the contentious plan. More information is available by clicking here:PR05_0805

Update: Responding to objections by the National Park Service and several conservation organizations, the BLM announced it has scuttled plans to offer oil and gas leases on lands within the view of Canyonlands National Park. Thanks to all the individuals and organizations who weighed in on this important issue and helped change the BLM's plans.

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