Management

"That in order to preserve an area in the State of Utah possessing superlative scenic, scientific, and archeologic features for the inspiration, benefit and use of the public, there is hereby established the Canyonlands National Park..."

This passage from the public law passed by Congress in 1964 set aside a remarkable landscape containing much of the Colorado and Green River basins around their confluence. Many documents guide the management of this area. The ones available here are intended to publicize management plans and demonstrate how park operations are structured toward achieving the NPS mission.

Administrative History
From Controversy to Compromise to Cooperation: The Administrative History of Canyonlands National Park offers an in-depth look at how the park was created and the events that have shaped it (311 pages). [20mb PDF File]

Fire and Fuels Management Plan
Main Document [519k PDF file]
Appendix [723k PDF file]

Long-Range Interpretive Plan
This plan describes goals and issues for visitor experience, interpretation, education, and resource stewardship at Canyonlands National Park. [1.3mb PDF file]

Backcountry Management Plan
Published in 1995, the intent of this plan was to develop backcountry management strategies to protect park resources, provide for high quality visitor experiences, and be flexible to deal with changing conditions. [137k PDF file]