Protesters rally in support of public land protection

SALT LAKE CITY — Hundreds of protesters rallied Saturday at the Utah state capitol, who want more done to protect Utah’s public lands. They hope to get the attention of state leaders to preserve two of Utah’s national monuments.

Taking over the steps of the state capitol, hundreds of protesters, signs in hand, rallied to protect Utah’s public lands.

“1, 2, 3, let the land be!” the crowd chanted.

Rally organizers vowed not to sit idly by as the tide may be turning for parts of those lands’ preservation.

“Federal lands in Utah are under attack, by the governor, by the legislature, and this is a chance for people to have their voices heard,” said Steve Bloch, Legal Director of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.

At issue: Utah’s lawsuit to gain more state control of public lands, and the size of Utah’s Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments. During the first term of President-elect Donald Trump, he reduced the size of the monuments by 85%, something President Joe Biden reversed in 2021. With Trump returning to office, protesters don’t want the monuments to shrink again.

“I think it’s the reason we’re all here, because we’re all deeply concerned,” said protester Meg Randle.

“If we don’t put some energy behind protecting some of the wild areas then we’re going to lose them and it’s going to be very difficult to get them back,” said protester Bernie Lasalle.

The protesters were hoping state leaders get the message by rallying together to make their voices loud and clear.

“We are going to do whatever it takes,” organizers said.

Organizers said Saturday’s rally was just the beginning, and they anticipate Utah won’t be the only state rallying in defense of public lands.

Related: Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance challenges Utah public lands lawsuit