Representative Ken Ivory joins the podcast to discuss Utah's historic lawsuit challenging federal ownership of public land. The lawsuit, if successful, could impact how public land is managed not only in Utah but across the country. Ivory explains the background of the lawsuit and the promises made by the federal government that haven't been fulfilled. He emphasizes the importance of multiple use and sustained yield of public lands and criticizes the federal government's management practices. Ivory also addresses concerns about the potential consequences of Utah winning the lawsuit and highlights the need for constitutional questions to be addressed. >>>> Read the Complaint Here <<<<

In this episode, Ben and Simone discuss the Yuma East travel management plan in Southwestern Arizona. They explain the different alternatives proposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the potential impact on off-roading routes. They highlight the importance of understanding the terms 'OHV limited' and 'administrative use only' when evaluating the proposed closures. They also discuss the presence of wilderness areas and lands with wilderness characteristics in the plan and the implications for road closures. Ben and Simone emphasize the need for public comments and potential litigation to challenge the BLM's interpretation of public land management laws.

Comment on the Plan Here: https://www.sharetrails.org/yuma-east-travel-management-plan-open-for-public-comment-possibility-to-close-over-500-miles-of-routes/

In this episode, Ben and Simone discuss the current wildfire season and the importance of responsible forest management. They highlight the impact of wildfires on air quality, road closures, and public access to recreation areas. Simone explains that the majority of the comments she submits are related to vegetation projects and reducing wildfire risk. They also discuss the opposition to forest management projects from environmental groups, who argue that these projects harm wildlife and the natural ecosystem. Ben emphasizes the need for political decision-making and local involvement in land management decisions.

In this episode of the Defend Your Ground podcast, Ben and Simone discuss Chevron Deference and its recent overturning by the Supreme Court. They highlight the problems with Chevron Deference, which allowed executive branch agencies to interpret laws without judicial review, leading to an imbalance of power and lack of accountability. They address concerns about the loss of expertise and argue that the administrative state was already influenced by corporations and special interests. They emphasize the need for the American people to take back their government and hold Congress accountable. They also discuss the potential impact of the Supreme Court's decision on land management and other federal regulations.

In this episode, Ben and Simone discuss the issue of disability access in outdoor recreation on public lands. They highlight the importance of motorized recreation for individuals with physical disabilities and the therapeutic benefits it provides. They mention that they consistently bring up disability access in their comments and lawsuits, but the agencies often ignore these concerns. They also discuss specific cases, such as the proposed closure of Arch Canyon in Bears Ears National Monument, where disability access is at risk. Ben and Simone encourage individuals with disabilities to share their stories and advocate for their rights to access public lands. Share Your Stories: https://www.sharetrails.org/current-issues/operation-accessible-2/

Comment on Bears Ears Plan: https://www.sharetrails.org/bears-ears-draft-resource-management-plan-released-for-public-comment/

• The BLM landscape health and conservation rule aims to flood money into the public land system to control management.
• The rule introduces new types of leases, such as restoration and mitigation leases, and prioritizes areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs).
• There are concerns about the rule's lack of statutory authority and its potential impact on motorized recreation.
• Many of the provisions in the rule are already covered by existing laws and programs. The proposed conservation rule gives unilateral authority to state directors of the BLM to designate ACECs without congressional approval.
• The rule could have significant consequences for grazing allotments and other public land uses.
• Mitigation funds created through the rule could result in a transfer of wealth from public land users to environmental groups.
• The criteria for ACEC designation are vague and could be subject to abuse.
• Congressional oversight and support for the West Act are necessary to address the concerns raised by the rule.

• "The BLM landscape conservation rule will only affect BLM land. The Wall Street rule would have affected everything."
• "There is an organized political movement that is doing everything it can to remove roads off the landscape so that it can create wilderness."
• "This is a land grab. This is them saying, we no longer need presidents in the antiquities act. We no longer need Congress and wilderness designations."
• "Once they get it designated as an ACEC, then it's going to be nearly impossible to remove that ACEC designation."

• The Grandview travel management plan in Idaho has several problems, including outdated information and missing routes.
• The plan could potentially close desert racing routes, which would have a significant impact on the motorcycle and desert racing communities.
• The plan lacks analysis of social and economic impacts, which is a requirement under NEPA.
• There may be a connection between the plan and the development of solar farms in the area.
• The deadline for submitting comments on the plan is April 15th.

• Deadline for Submitting Comments on the Plan
• Connection Between the Plan and Solar Farm Development

• "Implementing any of these alternatives will shut down desert racing."
• "There's not a single alternative that I'm willing to say, here's what we support."
• "The landscape itself is creating this really awesome network of single track trails."

The BLM recently released their preliminary maps for the San Rafael Swell travel plan. We expect a public comment period on this plan soon.

• The San Rafael Swells in Utah are undergoing planning for road closures and trail restrictions.
• The Dingell Act created wilderness areas in the San Rafael Swells and established the San Rafael Swell Recreation Area.
• Cherry-stemmed roads were created to allow for wilderness designation while keeping some roads open.
• The Historical Roadways Protection Act aims to prevent further closures and restrictions in the area.
• Public input and engagement are crucial during the planning process to protect access to popular trails and recreational opportunities. Public involvement and documentation are crucial to protect roads and trails from closure.
• Specific roads and trails in the San Rafael Swell area are at risk of closure, and users are encouraged to explore and document these routes.
• Supporting the Historic Roadways Protection Act and joining organizations that advocate for off-road access can help protect these routes.
• The San Rafael Swell area offers a diverse range of trails and camping spots, and it is important to preserve access for future generations.

In the episode we discuss how the BLM maps aren't useful for comparing the different alternatives they are considering. Here are two great maps that show the hundreds of routes that could be closed by this plan:

Arizona Backcountry Explorers Map: https://maps.azbackroads.com/maps/san-rafael-swell/index.html#7/39.483/-111.088

PLPCO's Map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/3b4d111082054f3ebf893cd279325c9b/page/Page/?fbclid=IwAR27kC0m_HxXXC-rTMKLLXz8lwI0SurEAMvvAJZoTcPX7gAPAsHut39xnSM

In the episode we made several references to the Dingell Act, and the text can be found here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/47/text

If you want to enter our Build Your Dream Rig Sweepstakes and receive a copy of Volume 1 of our Lost Trails Guidebook (while supplies last), use this link: https://www.tapkat.org/blueribbon-coalition/0E73gE?promo=SWELL

If you are interested in volunteering to do field work in the San Rafael Swell, please contact BlueRibbon Coalition here: Contact Us