Over a Decade of Advocacy Pays Off in the Book Cliffs

More than a decade after Backcountry Hunters & Anglers first advocated for conserve Utah's roadless Book Cliffs, a long-sought conservation vision has become reality.

In June, the Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA) approved the sale of more than 50,600 acres of trust lands to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, creating the new Book Cliffs Roadless Wildlife Management Area. The acquisition permanently protects one of Utah's premier big game landscapes while ensuring continued public access for hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation.

BHA's involvement in the Book Cliffs stretches back to 2013, when the organization joined fellow sportsmen's groups in advocating for a pause on proposed development within the Little Creek Roadless Area. Rather than seeing this exceptional wildlife habitat fragmented, BHA supported efforts to pursue a lasting conservation solution that balanced the interests of wildlife, public access, and Utah's school trust beneficiaries.

That commitment has continued well beyond policy advocacy. In 2023, Utah BHA volunteers partnered with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, TLA, the Ute Indian Tribe, OnX and other conservation partners to improve the Sego Canyon Trailhead—one of the primary gateways into the Little Creek Roadless Area. Volunteers expanded parking, installed horse hitching posts, and constructed new informational signage to improve access and the visitor experience for sportsmen and women.

BHA also supported the passage of HB 262 in 2024, legislation that authorized the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to acquire qualifying state trust lands for conservation while ensuring Utah's school trust beneficiaries receive fair market value. The bill laid the groundwork for landmark transactions like the Book Cliffs acquisition by creating a mechanism to permanently conserve high-value wildlife habitat without compromising the state's trust responsibilities.

Last month, BHA testified in support of the acquisition before the TLA Board, recognizing the purchase as a rare opportunity to achieve a durable conservation outcome. In her testimony Utah BHA Chapter Vice Chair Caitlin Curry said, "We believe that this sale to the DWR would protect this landscape for wildlife habitat and research, and retain this critical access in the public trust, where it truly belongs." The nearly $30 million transaction not only safeguards critical habitat for mule deer, elk, black bear, bison, and Colorado River cutthroat trout, but also generates significant revenue for Utah's Permanent State School Fund.

The Book Cliffs acquisition demonstrates what can happen when agencies, conservation organizations, sportsmen, Tribes, and state leaders work together toward a shared vision. For BHA, it represents more than a successful land purchase—it marks the culmination of years of advocacy, stewardship, policy leadership, and partnership to ensure this remarkable landscape remains open and productive for wildlife and future generations of hunters and anglers.