July is here, and so is your monthly dose of public lands news and inspiration!

This month, we’re celebrating over $1 million in Discovery Pool grants awarded, spotlighting our 2024 White’s Boots award recipient, and sharing updates on everything from Arches’ timed entry pause to Bluff’s new Dark Sky Community status. Plus, the Bureau of Land Management wants your input on e-bike use, and we’ve got a list of upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Did you know CNHA’s Discovery Pool has awarded over $1 million in grants to support science and research on public lands in southeast Utah?

To date, we've funded 77 Discovery Pool projects totaling $1,039,935, supporting work across our federal land management partners:

• $167,174 to National Park Service projects
• $410,228 to Bureau of Land Management projects
• $426,533 to U.S. Forest Service projects

Each project can receive up to $25,000 per year, with the potential for three consecutive years of funding.

One of the most exciting projects this year is Phase II of the Bears Ears Digital Cultural Heritage Initiative; a collaboration between Indigenous communities, archaeologists, and anthropologists to create photogrammetric models and immersive virtual reality experiences of significant sites within Bears Ears National Monument. I genuinely think this is one of the coolest and innovative projects CNHA has ever supported, and we're proud to be part of it.

We’ve recently posted the final report for Phase I on our website. You can follow the progress of all Discovery Pool-funded projects here. Last year, Dr. Eric Heller and Dr. Ben Bellorado, with consultant Dr. Noah Pleshet, discussed Phase I in a Science Moab podcast episode you can listen to it here.

With increasing cuts to federal funding for science and research, programs like Discovery Pool are more important than ever. If you would like to help support research on the Colorado Plateau, consider joining CNHA at the Discovery Level or donating directly to the Discovery Pool fund.

Starting Monday, July 7, Arches National Park will pause its timed entry reservation system for seven weeks. Summer visitation typically slows down, so reservations aren’t needed during this period. Timed entry will resume August 28 for the busy Labor Day weekend and continue through October 31.

If you're visiting this summer, stay safe in the heat: drink plenty of water, snack often, and avoid strenuous hikes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Keep an eye on the weather—monsoon storms can make backcountry roads dangerous. Check park websites or social media for updates before you go.

Photo: NPS / Andrew Kuhn

We’re proud to recognize Leslie Ostronic as the 2025 recipient of the Whites Boots. This is an honor given each year to a Wildland Firefighter who exemplifies exceptional dedication and service.

Created in memory of Justin “Boots” Holland, a Wildland firefighter at the time of his death, this award is made possible with a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Holland family. His love for the outdoors and the support of his firefighting crew made it the wish of his family to create this fund to honor other firefighters and support his firefighting family.

Leslie was selected by an interagency committee for their outstanding commitment to the firefighting community. As part of this honor, Leslie will receive a custom pair of Whites Boots!

Learn more and donate here.

Bureau of Land Management officials are considering the use of Class 1 (pedal assist) e-bikes on designated mountain bike trails within the Moab Field Office. They are inviting input from the public. The 30-day public comment period began today, June 30, and end July 30. Comments may be submitted on ePlanning by clicking the green Participate Now button. 

Currently, Class 1 e-bikes are only permitted on 1.4 miles of trail, out of 216 miles of mountain bike trails managed by the field office. Otherwise, e-bikes are only authorized on routes designated for motorized use, such as the Slickrock National Recreation Trail.  

The intent of the environmental assessment is to determine what, if any, impacts allowing Class 1 e-bike use would have on existing designated mountain bike trails and other resources. 

The most useful comments present new information relevant to the analysis, suggest additional reasonable alternatives, and/or question the accuracy of the existing alternatives and analysis.  

Alternatives and additional information on the potential addition of e-bike usage on mountain bike trails within the Moab Field Office are available on the e-Planning website. 

Bluff, Utah, situated in the Bureau of Land Management Monticello Field Office, has officially been designated an International Dark Sky Community, joining a growing global network of towns committed to protecting natural nightscapes.

Situated within the Bureau of Land Management’s Monticello Field Office and surrounded by public lands, Bluff serves as a gateway to Bears Ears National Monument and the broader Canyon Country region. This recognition celebrates the town’s commitment to preserving dark skies through thoughtful lighting policies, community engagement, and a shared dedication to keeping the stars visible.

The designation was made possible thanks to the efforts of local residents, the Town of Bluff, and Bears Ears Partnership. CNHA also sent a letter of support! From ordinance updates to stargazing events, Bluff has shown how small communities can lead the way in protecting the night.

With nearby Moab also recognized as a Dark Sky Community, southeastern Utah continues to shine, both during the day and after the sun goes down!

Free Lecture Series at the Moab Information Center

We hope to see you at our new time of 6pm at the Moab Information Center for our lecture series.

• July 10 at 6pm | Site Stewardship Program by Ian Wright (State Historic Preservation Office)
• July 17 at 6pm | Our Time in the Parks by Rhodes Smartt
• July 24 at 6pm | Resilient Food Webs in a Changing Environment by Moria Robinson
• July 31 at 6pm | Arches and Canyonlands: Tracing the Historical Relation by Blaine Reniger 

View the full lineup and descriptions here.

2025 Community Artist in the Parks

Charlotte Quigley has a deep well of experience with both art and national parks. A life-long watercolorist, she also works in pastels and, more recently, oil paints. She has a master’s degree in art history and experience as a youth arts teacher, arts council director, and member of the Gallery Moab cooperative. See how she turns her inspiration into art, or join her (with your own art supplies) for a side-by-side creative endeavor. Bring water, sun protection, and your imagination.

Can't make it but still want to support? Check out her artwork here!

Arches National Park

Tuesday, July 15 | Park Avenue Trail | 8am – 11am

Canyonlands National Park – Island in the Sky District

Wednesday, July 16 | Mesa Arch | 8am – 11am

Wednesday, July 16 | Mesa Arch parking lot | 5pm – 8pm

Tuesday, July 22 | Orange Cliffs | 8am – 11am

Wednesday, July 23 | Grand View Point | 5pm – 8pm

Thursday, July 24 | Green River Overlook | 8am – 11am  

Learn more about Charlotte and the CAIP Program here.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Cultural Demonstration

Stop by Saturday, July 12 from 10am - 2pm at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum for a live demonstration of traditional Hopi artistry by Marvene and Nuvadi Dawahoya! Marvene will be sharing the sacred practice of weaving yucca sifter baskets, while Nuvadi showcases his award-winning cottonwood root carvings.

This is a drop-in event! Visitors are welcome to stop by anytime between 10 and 2 to meet the artists, ask questions, and watch their process in action.

Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum

27501 CO-184, Dolores, CO 81323

Free and open to the public!

Visit Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance website for more information and to view more Canyons of the Ancients National Monument upcoming events!

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