Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Changes Boundaries: Tourism Remains The Same

PANGUITCH, Utah, Feb. 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- While the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument's boundaries were recently modified by the presidential proclamation, Kane County and Garfield County Offices of Tourism and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which administers the monument, want to assure the public that these changes should not affect their overall outdoor experience in southern Utah. The area's tourist attractions and sites continue to be accessible.

"The presidential proclamation modified the boundaries of the national monument into three management units within the Monument known as the Grand Staircase, Kaiparowits and Escalante Canyons units. The lands excluded from the Monument's boundaries continue to be managed by the BLM's Kanab Field Office and will remain accessible to the public in accordance with the existing BLM management plan," said Harry Barber, acting monument manager.

"We are optimistic these changes won't impact the outdoor experience in southern Utah," said Camille Johnson, executive director of Kane County Office of Tourism. "The hikes, destinations and viewpoints that make southern Utah and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument so beautiful and worth exploring are not going anywhere. Visitors still have access to all the iconic sites and attractions; the only difference is that some areas will be managed by a different BLM office."

Popular destinations—such as Inchworm Arch, Peek-a-Boo and Spooky Gulch slot canyons, Lick Wash, Devils Garden and Cottonwood Narrows—are available and open to the public. In addition, outfitters and guides will continue to offer services in the area to help visitors see the unique sights.

"We want all visitors to know that the Garfield County and Kane County Offices of Tourism and the BLM are working together to continue providing a positive and fun visitor experience," said Falyn Owens, executive director of Garfield County Office of Tourism. "What is most important for people to know is that visitors will be able to access the beautiful scenery and experience the awaiting attractions."

To learn more about Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and all the area's attractions, visit brycecanyoncountry.com, visitsouthernutah.com or blm.gov/utah.

About Garfield County

Garfield County is located in southern Utah and provides access to nearly a dozen national/state park and forest areas, including Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef national parks. Visitors enjoy epic road trips while exploring Scenic Byways 12 and 143—highways so spectacular they've been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration for their one-of-a-kind features. The area is only an hour drive to a commercial airport and four hours from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City. To plan your own world-class vacation, visit brycecanyoncountry.com or call the Garfield County of Office Tourism at 800-444-6689.

About Kane County

Kane County is the gateway to three national parks, five national monuments, a renowned National Recreational Area, two state parks, two national forests and unlimited outdoor adventures. Kane County is truly "The Heart of the Parks." In every direction, there are breath-taking views; the unique vistas of The Grand Canyon to the South, Zion National Park to the West, Bryce Canyon National Park to the North and Lake Powell/Glen Canyon to the East. For more information on visiting Kane County, please visit visitsouthernutah.com.

Media Contact:
Hannah Lunt
Relic
801-704-7063
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SOURCE Garfield County Tourism Office