2026 Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Boundary Ignores Archaeological Resources

Abstract

The PDF is a poster illustrating the archaeological potential of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) located in Southern Utah. In 2017, Executive Proclamation 9682 reduced the size of the GSENM. Consideringt that only 10% of the original GSENM has been inventoried for cultural resources, an archaeological predictive model was used to estimate where we should expect concentrations of archaeological resources and where they fall within the proposed 2017 boundaries. This original research is referenced below. The attached poster is a continuation of this research with the addition of the July 2026 boundaries superimposed over the original and 2017 boundaries to illustrate how many areas with significant potential for archaeological material are losing enhanced protections provided by the national monument designation. For more information on the data, methods, and code, please see the references below. Please note, it is strictly prohibited by law to excavate, remove, damage, alter, deface, or otherwise disturb any archaeological resources, historical artifacts, or structures on public lands. All cultural items - including arrowheads, pottery, old bottles, and structural remains - belong to the public and must be left undisturbed. Unauthorized collection or destruction of cultural material on public lands is punishable by law resulting in fines, jail time, and seizure of property.