An administrative appeals board is currently deliberating on whether the closure of roads near Moab for motorized vehicle use will be permanent. The Bureau of Land Management released a travel management plan in late September that included the closure of 317 miles of routes previously open to off-highway and passenger vehicles in the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Area. The State of Utah and recreation advocacy groups appealed the plan in late October, seeking to keep the roads open until the final decision is made, but their request was rejected by the Interior Board of Land Appeals.
The roads will remain closed until the board has finished reviewing the appeals. Off-roading enthusiasts are disappointed but are continuing with the appeal process. There are still over 800 miles of routes accessible for motorized use in the area.
The closure of roads in the area is aimed at reducing damage to riparian zones, protecting wildlife habitats, preserving cultural sites, and addressing conflicts between motorized and non-motorized users, such as complaints about vehicle noise from river recreators.
This decision has sparked controversy and concern among off-road enthusiasts and environmental advocates in the region, and the final decision of the appeals board is eagerly awaited. The unique landscape and recreational opportunities in the Labyrinth Rims/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Area have made it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and the outcome of the appeals will have a significant impact on the future use of these public lands.
For more information about the new travel management plan and the road closures, you can visit the official BLM website.
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