WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) and Utah leaders today applauded the signing of land conveyances in Goblin Valley State Park. These public land conveyances from the Bureau of Land Management, authorized by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, will expand the recreation area at Goblin Valley State Park, provide a site for a new Emery County Sheriff’s Office Substation, and improve space for historical exhibits at the Buckhorn Information Center.
“When I came to the Senate, I was proud to join Congressman Curtis and take up torch long held by Senator Hatch and Congressmen Bishop and Chaffetz to help get the Natural Resources Management Act, now known as the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, across the finish line. This bipartisan lands package—which was decades in the making—transferred more than 6,300 acres from the BLM to the State of Utah for the expansion of Goblin Valley State Park, tripling its size,” Senator Romney said. “Utah is, and always will be, a public lands state. Today’s event is a great success story and shows that we must continue looking for public lands solutions that come from the bottom up—not the top down.”
“Utah is home to some of the best state parks, national parks, wilderness areas, and outdoor recreation spots in the world,” Utah DNR Executive Director Brian Steed said. “With millions of visitors coming each year, managing these areas effectively so that people can recreate safely, while preserving the integrity of the land, is a top priority for all of us.”
“Emery County very much appreciates the support from both the State of Utah and Bureau of Land Management. We really appreciate the continued involvement from both Senators Romney and Curtis as well,” said Lynn Sitterud, Chairman, Emery County Commission.
“This conveyance will be monumental for the public safety of outdoor recreators in the area. In past years, communicating current weather conditions the public was difficult, along with responding to the emergencies themselves,” Emery County Sheriff Greg Funk said. “This will allow all responders—BLM, County, and State alike—to better meet these visitors’ needs.”
Background:
The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act—the bipartisan public lands package cosponsored by Senator Romney and signed into law in 2019—transferred more than 6,300 acres of BLM-managed public land in Emery County to Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks, and Emery County. The bipartisan public lands package was comprised of over 100 individual bills, including 10 pieces of legislation that directly impact the State of Utah. These provisions were the culmination of years of collaboration and cooperation between Utah county commissioners and local conservation groups, ranchers, recreationists, and others.
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- 06.17.2022