Protesters Rally for Utah Public Lands Protection

Hundreds of protesters rallied at the Utah State Capitol on January 11, 2025, advocating for the protection of public lands and opposing state-led lawsuits seeking control over 18.5 million acres of federally managed land. Organizers, including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, emphasized the importance of public lands to Utah's identity and heritage, with participants holding signs reading messages like "Protect Wild Utah" and "Save Grand Staircase Escalante." The rally was prompted by concerns over potential reductions in national monuments, particularly Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, which were previously cut under the Trump administration and later restored. Protesters expressed skepticism about state leaders' promises to manage the lands responsibly, fearing a “land grab” scenario. Activists like Louise Fernandez and Terry Tempest Williams highlighted the urgency of the situation and the need to protect these lands for future generations. The rally marks a broader movement across states to defend public lands against increasing political and legal challenges.