(Photo Courtesy Ray Bloxham, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance) The BLM plans to sell oil and gas leases on at least 85,000 acres of scenic public land near Canyonlands and Arches national parks, including parts of Hatch Canyon, at its September auction. The city of Moab and Grand County are urging the BLM to cancel the sale, citing the importance of these lands to the local recreation economy.
Brian Maffly has worked for The Tribune off and on since 1994. Maffly roams Utah, covering public land and environment.