Science
Expanding knowledge and understanding of the natural wonders, biodiversity, and unique ecosystems with which this landscape is endowed by participating in scientific inquiry and historical investigation, as well as advocating for the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in land management decision-making.
Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
The Science and Monitoring Plan
We can only effectively protect the ecosystems and resources in Grand Staircase if we know what exists and understand how it fits into the bigger picture. We need to know more, but first we need to understand what we have learned. This is why we embarked on our journey to develop a new Science and Monitoring Plan for Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The first draft of the Plan was completed in 2021 and we will continue to update it with the latest research related to Monument resources as well as strategies for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This Plan will provide a path forward for working with our conservation partners, Tribal representatives, community members, and the Bureau of Land Management to develop a new Resource Management Plan for the Monument.
Key to Our Mission
Grand Staircase Escalante Partners’ Science and Monitoring Plan is a critical component of our efforts to honor the past and safeguard the future of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by advocating for science, sound monitoring, and adaptive management practices.
With your help, we can usher in a new era and better future for the Monument.
With your help, we can usher in a new era and better future for the Monument.
The first phase of this project consisted of interviewing the scientists, biologists, botanists, paleontologists, and other specialists who have been engaged with the Monument since its establishment in 1996. This included reaching out to the Tribes connected to Grand Staircase to obtain valuable Indigenous science left out of land management decisions. The Plan documents the Monument’s unique plant and animal species, cultural resources, and opportunities for scientific research, climate mitigation and adaptation, and paleontology. Importantly, it proposes a more holistic vision for the Monument that incorporates Indigenous knowledge and fosters more Tribal input into land management policies.
This plan will inform our organization’s research projects, conservation efforts, advocacy, relationships with indigenous communities, and education programs for youth and adults. And our hope is that it will continue to provide valuable knowledge for future Resource Management Plans.
This bold and visionary project promises to deliver the kind of science and monitoring that GSENM needs and deserves. You can support this project and help us bring this vision to life by making a donation. With your help, we can usher in a new era and better future for the Monument.
We would like to thank the Maki Foundation for providing necessary funding to get this project up and running. If your foundation or organization is interested in helping us safeguard the future of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument by supporting this project, please contact our Executive Director, Sarah Bauman (sarah@gsenm.org).
Questions about our work or research opportunities in Grand Staircase?
Contact Us to get involved.
Community Lectures and Learning
Learn about Monument’s robust work from expert paleontologists, geologicalists, biologists, and more through our Community Lectures and Ask and Expert events.
