BLM-Utah, SGFO Partnership to Support Stewardship of the Red Cliffs and Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Areas, Washington County, Utah

Background: Washington County is one of the fastest growing urban areas in the nation. Community growth in this area has steadily increased urban pressure on the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs National Conservation Areas, collectively referred to hereafter as ⿿the NCAs.⿝ Both NCAs are located in Washington County, Utah and managed by the Saint George Field Office (SGFO) of the USDOI-Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Population and community growth has been directly linked to damage and loss of natural and cultural resources in both NCAs. Both the Beaver Dam Wash and Red Cliffs NCAs are bordered by an increasing urban environment and have a distinct need for organized community support and stewardship. The NCAs cultural and natural resources face mounting urban pressure from the surrounding areas. The Red Cliffs National Conservation Area alone saw over 120,000 documented visitors in 2010. Currently, a friends group is involved with the stewardship and conservation of these lands since they were designated in the 2009 Omnibus Public Lands legislation (Lands Bill). The friends group garnered significant public support advocating for the permanent protection of these areas. Our strong local and regional network of supporters will be the foundation of a continuing work for these lands.