ExecutiveOrdersEO
Proc 9232ProclamationObama · D Quiet signal

Proclamation 9232

Establishment of the Browns Canyon National Monument

President Obama used the Antiquities Act to designate approximately 21,586 acres in central Colorado as the Browns Canyon National Monument, withdrawing federal lands from mining, mineral leasing, and most new motorized vehicle use. The Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture must jointly develop a management plan for the monument, with BLM and USFS dividing management responsibilities. Valid existing rights including grazing permits, water rights, railroad corridors, and cooperative agreements for the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area are preserved.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 9975

Impact dates

  1. Joint management plan preparation must commence

  2. New roads or trails for motorized vehicle use restrictions take effect after proclamation date

Key directives

  • Withdraw approximately 21,586 acres from all forms of entry, location, selection, sale, leasing, or other disposition under public land laws
  • Withdraw from mining laws and mineral/geothermal leasing laws
  • Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture shall jointly prepare a management plan
  • Secretaries shall promulgate regulations for monument management
  • Maximize opportunities for shared resources, operational efficiency, and cooperation
  • Provide for public involvement including consultation with tribal, State, and local governments
  • Restrict motorized and mechanized vehicle use to designated roads and trails except for emergency or authorized administrative purposes
  • Limit new roads/trails for motorized vehicles to areas west of Arkansas River and Ruby Mountain Recreation Site, only as necessary for river or campground access
  • Allow Forest Road 184 realignment or improvement only for care/management of objects or public safety
  • Ensure protection of Indian sacred sites and traditional cultural properties and provide access for traditional cultural and customary uses

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Federal lands withdrawn from entry, location, sale, leasing, mining laws, and mineral/geothermal leasing
  • Monument establishment takes effect
  • Motorized/mechanized vehicle use restricted to designated roads/trails except for emergencies/administrative purposes

Near term (90d)

  • Joint management plan development to begin
  • Public involvement process including tribal, state, and local government consultation

Long term

  • Management plan finalization and implementation
  • Potential future acquisition of non-federal lands within boundaries
  • Ongoing cooperative management between BLM and USFS

Risks & tensions

  • Potential conflict between conservation goals and existing commercial recreation interests
  • Tribal access rights preservation may create implementation complexity
  • Split management between BLM and USFS could create jurisdictional friction
  • Mining and mineral interests excluded from future development on withdrawn lands
  • 'Valid existing rights' preservation may lead to disputes over scope
Proclamation 9232: Establishment of the Browns Canyon National Monument · Executive Orders