BLM restricts roped activities at Corona Arch, Gemini Bridges

MOAB — The Bureau of Land Management Utah, Moab Field Office will temporarily restrict roped activities including ziplining, highlining, slacklining, climbing, rappelling, and rope swinging at Corona Arch and Gemini Bridges for a two-year period.

Corona Arch, Moab, Utah | Photo courtesy of BLM-Utah, St. George News
Corona Arch, Moab, Utah | Photo courtesy of BLM-Utah, St. George News

This temporary restriction provides the BLM with time to continue working with the public to develop appropriate recreation management strategies for these two popular recreation destinations,” said Moab Field Office Manager, Beth Ransel.

The decision to temporarily restrict these activities is in response to comments expressed by the public regarding user conflicts, particularly in the Corona Arch area. Corona Arch and Gemini Bridges each receive more than 40,000 visitors each annually and are located at the end of very popular hiking trails that are iconic destinations for visitors to the Moab area.

Maps of the restricted areas are available on the Moab Field Office Web page.

The Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision Record are posted on the Environmental Notification Bulletin; search for project name “Corona.”

Resources

  • For additional information, please telephone Beth Ransel at 435-259-2100
  • Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf, or TDD, may call the Federal Information Relay Service, FIRS, at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question with the above individual
  • BLM Moab website
  • BLM Twitter @BLMUtah

Related posts

Submitted by the BLM-Utah

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

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7 Comments

  • Desert Walker January 7, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Climbers should have their areas, but these places definitely need to be off limits. Look at the pock marks they leave on the rock face. When we hike to these places, we want to see the places and scenery, not climbers leaving marks and defacing the place. Not screaming jumpers. Yes, they should have the freedom to climb – just not wherever they please. This, to me, is like the tourist at Delicate Arch who could see no wrong in his children scraping their drawings into rock. It is like those who deface the petroglyph walls. This should not be a temporary halt – but a permanent save.

  • KarenSp January 7, 2015 at 11:24 am

    Those activities should be permanently banned. Corona Arch and Gemini Bridges need protection from defacing activities.

  • groanattack January 7, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    Any type of activity that defaces, alters, changes or damages any of the natural formation of these wonders needs to be completely prohibited. If you need a thrill, skydive into Syria and find your way out.

  • Koolaid January 7, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Will Utah boyscout groups, or at least their leaders, get a free pass to destructive antics at these places?

  • Evil Twins Mommy January 7, 2015 at 5:52 pm

    I’m in favor of banning all rock climbing there

  • Red Rocker January 8, 2015 at 8:05 am

    I am glad to see a consensus regarding these activities. When I scrolled down I expected Libertarian rants.
    Way to go BLM!

    • sagemoon January 8, 2015 at 8:30 am

      Libertarian? Don’t you mean Republican or Tea Party?

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