Drillers Seek To Lease 100,000-Plus Acres Near Canyonlands, Arches

"The Bureau of Land Management is considering industry-driven requests to lease tens of thousands acres for oil and gas development near Arches and Canyonlands national parks.

In recent months, firms sought to nominate up to 360 parcels on these scenic lands popular for dispersed outdoor recreation outside Moab.

Only 230 of these parcels, covering up to 150,000 acres, are open for leasing under a “master leasing plan” the BLM adopted in 2016 for the Moab area, according to an analysis conducted by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance."

Brian Maffly reports for the Salt Lake Tribune April 5, 2020.