Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

A federal forest grant that conservationists rely on to fund monitoring and removal of the invasive and tenacious Russian olive tree has been frozen by the Trump admin.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has ordered federal officials to review and consider redrawing the boundaries of national monuments created under previous presidents to protect unique landscapes and cultural resources. The order is part of President Donald Trump's push to expand U.S. energy production.

The proposal drew pushback from Garfield County residents, who valued the historic name for the trail road going through Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Bears Ears National Monument in southeast Utah has been at the center of political fights over public land in recent years. The upcoming presidential election threatens to continue escalating that tug-of-war.

During his monthly news conference with reporters, Gov. Cox addressed his feelings toward the recent Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni monument designation and shared his thoughts on the upcoming election.

On Monday, Utah gave notice of an appeal just days after a lower U.S. District Court tossed out its suit against the Biden administration.

U.S. District Judge David Nuffer said Friday that President Joe Biden acted within his authority when he issued proclamations restoring Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments in 2021.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday alleges that President Joe Biden’s action violates the authority granted in a century-old law that allows presidents to protect sites considered historically, geographically or culturally important.

Here’s a timeline of the major news stories that happened in Utah throughout 2021.

The latest Utah news from Monday morning, Oct. 11, 2021.

President Joe Biden signed a proclamation Friday restoring two national monuments in Utah to their originally designated sizes. The move also restored a monument off the coast of New England.

Utah elected officials expressed disappointment with the Biden administration’s decision to restore the monuments.