Public Lands

Map of the Velvet-Wood and Slick Rock projects. Image from Anfield Energy report

Uranium mine set to re-open in Lisbon Valley

A uranium mine is reopening in Lisbon Valley. Canadian based Anfield Energy received approval to operate the Velvet-Wood mines in Lisbon Valley from the state of Utah. The company announced on October 7 it had received approval from the Utah Department of Oil, Gas and Mining for the Velvet-Wood...

Indian Creek Spire Photo courtesy of BLM

Indian Creek climbing restrictions end

September 1 marks the end of this year’s raptor nesting season and raptor avoidance measures. All climbing areas in Indian Creek will now be available for visitors. BLM biologists identified three raptor nests in the avoidance area that had a successful fledgling! • At the Cliffs of Insanity, a...

Dozer line along the Peaceful Valley Ranch. photo courtesy Great Basin Team 4

Deer Creek Fire at 15,819 acres and 11-percent containment as mild weather aids efforts

The Deer Creek Fire in old La Sal is now at 15,819 acres burned but has seen containment rise to 11-percent. Containment on the west side is aiding in work between fire managers and local officials on their goal of returning residents to their homes as soon as it's safe. Residents in some areas...

A traditional mountain bike and an E-bike on a local slickrock trail. Courtesy photo

BLM seeks input on pedal assist e-bikes on designated trails

Bureau of Land Management officials are considering the use of Class 1 (pedal assist) e-bikes on designated mountain bike trails within the Moab Field Office. They are inviting input from the public. The 30-day public comment period will begin today, June 30, and end July 30. Comments may be...

Supreme Court ruling may impact NEPA use

The U.S. Supreme Court made a landmark decision on May 27 that may streamline the process of how proposed projects on federal land are approved. The court upheld the federal environmental review of the Uinta Basin Railway, opening the door for the construction of the 88-mile rail line that would...

Velvet-Wood mine application approved

The Department of Interior has approved the reopening of a uranium mine in Lisbon Valley. On May 23 the Department of Interior (DOI) announced the approvals for Canadian based Anfield energy to operate the Velvet-Wood mines in Lisbon Valley. The approval came just 11 days after the department...

Velvet-Wood uranium mine project fast-tracked in San Juan County

The Department of Interior has fast-tracked the approval process to reopen a uranium mine in Lisbon Valley. On May 12, the Department of Interior (DOI) announced the use of emergency procedures as part of a national energy emergency declared by President Trump on January 20, 2025. The procedures...

Telecom tower proposed near La Sal Jct to improve cellular service

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a proposed telecommunications facility located on Black Ridge in San Juan County, approximately 10 miles south of Moab. The 15-day public scoping period lasts through May 8, 2025. The BLM will hold an in-person public meeting on April 30 from...

BLM asks climbers to protect raptors in Indian Creek

The Bureau of Land Management urges climbers and outdoor recreationists to avoid certain areas in Indian Creek from March through late summer to protect nesting raptors. Falcons, eagles and hawks return annually to nest on cliffs and rock walls, and human disturbance can jeopardize their success....

Entrance sign to Bears Ears National Monument. Courtesy photo

Bears Ears boundary will be revisited

An order for a review of national monument boundaries, including the Bears Ears National Monument, is underway at the US Department of Interior. The review is part of a secretarial order from new Trump administration appointee for the department of the interior secretary Doug Burgum. The order,...