COTTONWOOD WASH

Bears Ears National Monument

Bears Ears National Monument encompasses an outstanding 1.3 million acre cultural and natural landscape of iconic grandeur - the third largest national monument in the United States. This vast expanse contains extensive archaeological sites, petroglyphs, cliff dwellings, and other resources that provide an unparalleled look into the deep ancestral connections that indigenous peoples have with this sacred homeland dating back thousands of years.

From a natural standpoint, Bears Ears astounds with its diversity of wildlife habitats, geologic wonders like the twin buttes towering above Cedar Mesa, and stunning scenery blending redrock canyons, pinyon-juniper forests, and verdant meadows. It serves as a critical migratory corridor for many species.

In recognition of the profound tribal ties to this region, Bears Ears is uniquely co-managed through an innovative partnership between the Bureau of Land Management's Monticello Field Office, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and the five sovereign nations comprising the Bears Ears Commission - the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe.

On March 8, 2024, this co-management partnership reached an important milestone with the release of the long-awaited draft Resource Management Plan for Bears Ears National Monument. This comprehensive plan outlines proposed management policies and actions for protecting the monument's irreplaceable natural and cultural resources while allowing for responsible recreational access and tribal uses.

The public now has a 90-day period to review the draft plan and provide comments to help inform the final management framework for Bears Ears. This public process represents a vital opportunity for stakeholders to have their voices heard on how this iconic landscape, rich with archaeological wonders and untrammeled wilderness, will be stewarded for generations to come.