IBLA Rules Favorably for Preserving American Historical Treasures

WRA successfully protected invaluable historical and Native American sites in Utah’s backcountry by winning an appeal to the Interior Board of Land Appeals on a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decision renewing grazing permits in Utah’s Red Rock country.  As the Board noted, this area of the Colorado Plateau is characterized by high concentrations of ancient cultural resources, many eligible for listing and protection as Historic Sites.  Theses lands, which border Zion National Park, also provide crucial wildlife habitat and water resources. 

WRA prevailed because BLM’s Kanab office relied on an archaeological opinion that the Board found to be unreasonable and lacking support in the agency evidentiary record.

WRA is optimistic that this decision will support the efforts of new Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to restore the rule of law, and respect for science, at this troubled federal agency. 

This case establishes that BLM must honor its obligation to protect our priceless cultural heritage on public lands. 

(January 30, 2009)

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