Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter! This month, we’re featuring a recap of our National Public Lands Day celebration event! You’ll also find updates from our partners at the Bureau of Land Management Field Office and the U.S. Forest Service.

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the latest Science Moab podcast episodes, featuring recipients of our 2024 Discovery Pool grants. We also have a TON of events this month, too!

Looking to apply for our 2025 Discovery Pool grant? Applications are due November 1st! Get more info here.

Thank you for your support, and we hope you have a great October!

The day was topped off by a lively performance from local band The Butch Cassidies! Combining education, entertainment, and community collaboration, the 2024 National Public Lands Day celebration event was a resounding success!

A big thank you to everyone who attended, along with the agencies, organizations, and The Butch Cassidies! We would also like to thank McGovern Outdoor for providing awesome bandanas for our swag bags! It was a blast, and we can't wait to do it again next year!

High School Internships

This past summer, the Monticello Field Office hosted 19 students from high schools across San Juan County during one to five day short-term internships. Prior to the start of the program, interns shared their interests with the Bureau of Land Management and then were placed with staff from the Monticello Field Office and the Canyon Country District to learn more about the work that BLM staff do out in the field. 

Students from White Horse, Monticello, and San Juan high schools joined BLM staff for up to a week to learn about career paths with the BLM. Students spent their internships with staff in recreation, law enforcement, wildlife biology, maintenance, archaeology, and range. Projects included fence building, kiosk and sign installation and replacement, photography of visitor locations to improve online visitor information, completion of rangeland health inventories, and more. 

We look forward to how this program continues to grow and change in the coming years. Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) funding allowed the interns to be paid for their time, which was integral to the success of the program.

BLM Releases All Areas of Indian Creek for Climbing

The BLM sincerely thanks those in the climbing community that followed avoidance recommendations for raptor nesting sites during the spring and summer climbing season. This year we had a successful fledging of chicks on two prairie falcon nests and one golden eagle nest. All three nests were located on or very near popular climbing areas. With chicks now fledged, it is the end of the nesting season, and climbers are welcome to return to these cliffs to enjoy the world class climbing routes in and around Indian Creek.  

Each spring, BLM’s Monticello Field Office staff ask climbers to voluntarily avoid routes near historic nesting sites in Indian Creek. In the early spring, the BLM confirmed nesting and territory activity on several popular climbing routes. Minimizing disturbances during crucial egg incubation and brood rearing periods for falcons, eagles and other raptors is critical to these species successfully rearing their young. This is why we are so grateful for those who voluntarily climb elsewhere during the spring and summer.   

Wildlife biologists monitored active nests weekly throughout the season. Visit our website to learn more about voluntary closures and the species they protect.  

For questions about raptors, please contact BLM Wildlife Biologist Melissa Wardle. For questions about climbing and recreation in the Indian Creek area, please contact Indian Creek Ranger Jeff Walsh. Both may be reached at the Monticello Field Office (435) 587-1500. 

Science Moab Podcasts

Have you heard about Science Moab's podcasts? Hosts Peggy Hodgkins and Kristina Young delve into the Colorado Plateau's coolest science and parse the diverse ways people understand and love this place. Science Moab recently had 2024 Discovery Pool recipients as guests on their podcast!

Rock Glaciers and Water Sustainability - Scott Hotaling

Changing Food Webs - Moria Robinson

Collaboration for Preservation - Eric Heller, Ben Bellorado, and Noah Pleshet

Now Accepting Applications for 2025

We are currently accepting applications for our 2024 Discovery Pool research grant!

The Discovery Pool research grant program was established by CNHA to encourage and provide funding for research partnerships between qualified scientists and our federal NPS, BLM, and USFS partners in southeastern Utah. Since its inception in 2007, CNHA’s Discovery Pool has awarded $947,644 in grants.

If you are interested in applying for a Discovery Pool grant for 2025, applications are due to CNHA by 5pm on November 1st.

Porcupine Rim Campground Now Open

Zach Lowe led the recreation crew in finishing up some of the final touches on the new Porcupine Rim Campground. Work included spreading gravel, installing campsite signs and kiosk and removing invasive weeds. This was another major project that included funding from the Infrastructure Bill and Canyonlands Natural History Association.

Previously, the Porcupine Rim Campground was a well-used dispersed site that became increasingly popular, resulting in environmental impacts such as garbage and vandalism. Concerns over fire and public safety prompted the USDA Forest Service to increase the management of the area in order to maintain its character while providing a quality recreational experience. The forest conducted an environmental analysis and solicited public comment, reaching a decision to designate the site as a developed campground. Campground construction was completed by Manti-La Sal National Forest district staff led by Zach Lowe the developed recreation team leader for the Moab/Monticello Ranger Districts. 

If you're looking forward to enjoying some time at this newly renovated campground, the sites are first come first served (no advanced booking required), and there are currently no fees for day use or overnight camping. Please note that there is no drinking water on site at this time so be sure to bring your own. There are newly installed vault toilets, gravel, and designated camping sites. Due to its southerly exposure, campers can likely enjoy the site through December 1st, when snow typically begins to fall in the area. Nearby attractions include the Whole Enchilada mountain bike trail, amazing scenic views of Castle Valley, and easy access to the Sand Flats Recreation Area. Thank you to Zach Lowe and the South Zone recreation staff for their efforts in developing this well-loved area!

Check out October's Manti-La Sal Happenings.

For the most up-to-date information on the forest, check out the U.S. Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest Facebook page!

Bureau of Land Management Artist in Residence Trip to Sego Canyon

Join Moab BLM, CNHA, and this year’s BLM Moab Artist in Residence, Suzanne Jackson, for a half-day excursion to Sego Canyon Rock Art Site!

Saturday, October 19

8 am – 1 pm

Participants will listen to a short presentation about the cultural history of Sego Canyon followed by an activity led by Suzanne.

Due to the location and nature of the activities, group size is limited to 20 participants. Participants must be prepared to shuttle in their own vehicles from a nearby location TBD as there is limited parking at Sego Canyon. Watercolors, colored pencils, and paper will be provided, but if you have your own art supplies you’d like to bring, please do so. Children 12+ are welcome to participate, and dogs on leashes are also welcome.

Learn more and sign up here!

Community Artist in the Parks: Annie Dalton

It's Annie's last month as the Community Artist! See how Annie 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.

Learn more and check out October dates here.

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

Thanks for a great year, Annie!

Check out Annie Dalton's artwork before it's gone!

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Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) is a non-profit organization, which exists solely to assist the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management in their education and visitor efforts. Proceeds from sales support these agencies’ educational, interpretive, and scientific programs on the Colorado Plateau.

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