A delicate balance.

• Author: Stewart, Heather Dawn
• Position: From the Editor

Passions run high when you start talking about public lands--particularly in Utah, a state where a full two-thirds of the land is owned by the federal government. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the controversial Great Staircase Escalante National Monument, created by Pres. Bill Clinton in 1996. And this year may see the birth of a new national monument in the state, if Pres. Barack Obama chooses to designate Bears Ears as a national monument before he leaves office.

Gov. Gary Herbert and Utah's congressional delegation have lined up against the creation of a Bears Ears national monument, arguing the land would be best managed on a more local level. Indeed, much of the argument has centered around how best to include diverse voices in the management of the land. And there is a tremendous array of stakeholders to consider, including differing American Indian tribes and tribal members, local residents and businesses, outdoor recreation enthusiasts and businesses, and the people of Utah and of the United States itself.

In this issue, Utah Business editors Lisa Christensen and Adva Biton explore Bears Ears from these varying points of view. Beginning on page...