Scott Sommerdorf | The Salt Lake Tribune May 9, 2009 ATV'ers drive along the Paria River as counter-protestors at the "Picnic With a Purpose" watch in the foreground during a 2009 ride protesting BLM road closures in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The 22-mile route along the Paria, which is closed to motorized use, is among 15 "bellwether" routes in Kane County that a federal judge plans to tour this month as he prepares for a trial that could resolve Utah state officials' disputed claims to 14,000 routes across public lands.
Brian Maffly has worked for The Tribune off and on since 1994. Maffly roams Utah, covering public land and environment.