Happy New Year from Canyonlands Natural History Association!

This month’s newsletter features a look back on 2024, updates on Arches National Park’s timed entry system, and a new video, "A Conversation with Walt Dabney," on our YouTube channel. We’re also highlighting the San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan, a call for camp hosts from the BLM, and Science Moab’s awesome Science on Tap events.

Here’s to new adventures in 2025!

We’re reflecting on the incredible milestones and projects we’ve accomplished together. From supporting research to celebrating our cherished public lands, 2024 has been a year of growth, connection, and inspiration. Join us in looking back at the highlights that made this year so special—none of it would be possible without our amazing team, partners, and supporters like you!

Nonprofit of the Year

We are honored to have been recognized as Nonprofit of the Year by the Moab Chamber of Commerce, a testament to the hard work of our team and the incredible partnerships that make our work possible! 

New Leadership in the Parks

We welcomed Lena Pace as the new superintendent for the Southeast Utah Parks Group—a fresh chapter for our national parks and monuments!

Science Moab Podcasts

Science Moab produced 4 podcasts featuring CNHA Discovery Pool grant recipients. These episodes explored their research and the importance of supporting science on the Colorado Plateau!

Investing in the Next Generation

Over the summer, CNHA helped fund internships for 19 high school students from San Juan County, offering them hands-on experience with Bureau of Land Management field staff. These opportunities inspire lifelong stewardship and introduce youth to careers in conservation.

Gold Standard: Arches National Park

Arches National Park was named Utah’s first Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site, a wonderful recognition of its commitment to sustainable visitor practices.

Amplifying Community Voices

With CNHA support, the BLM Monticello Office worked with a team from the University of Alaska Fairbanks to gather insights from indigenous and underserved communities near Bears Ears National Monument. This ongoing project is shaping a more inclusive future for public lands.

National Public Lands Day 2024

We celebrated the lands we love at the Moab Information Center on September 26. A memorable day filled with education and community connection!

Third Annual AstroFest

The 3rd annual Southeast Utah AstroFest lit up the skies last summer with stargazing, telescope viewing, and family-friendly astronomy programs at Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Lichen Discoveries in the La Sal Mountains

From the La Sal Mountains to Antarctica, CNHA-funded research continues to uncover new lichen species, showcasing the importance of preserving unique ecosystems.

Discovery Pool Research Grant Program

We funded 7 Discovery Pool grants in 2024, totaling $159,000. Since its inception, the Discovery Pool has contributed nearly $1 million to scientific research! Two CNHA employees also attended a lab day with Dr. Eric Heller and Bears Ears Digital Cultural Heritage Initiative!

Porcupine Rim Campground Opens

Gravel spread, invasive weeds removed, and signs installed—this brand-new campground was brought to life by the US Forest Service recreation crew with funding from CNHA!

Here’s to another year of making a difference for the lands and communities we cherish! Want to help us keep making a difference? Join us as a member, donate or shop to support today!

Learn more about these highlights by checking out previous newsletters.

In response to feedback from stakeholders and the general public, Arches National Park is changing its 2025 pilot timed entry reservation system to accept reservations up to six months in advance—twice as long as previously announced. 

According to recent surveys, 15-26% of Arches’ visitors plan their trip six months or more in advance. “Enabling earlier reservations gives people more flexibility in planning their visit to Arches,” said Arches National Park Superintendent Lena Pace. “To accommodate all travel styles, we will also continue to release next-day tickets, which often remain open for same-day booking.” 

The previously-announced decision to not require reservations from July 7 to August 27, 2025, (after July 4th weekend until just before Labor Day weekend) is also an adaptation based on feedback from past pilots. Visitation traditionally slows down during peak summer months when daytime temperatures are hottest, reducing the need to manage crowding in the park. 

All other program parameters will remain the same. Visitors arriving between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the program is in effect will need to have booked a timed entry ticket in order to enter the park (unless they have camping, tour, or special use permits; concessions contracts; commercial use authorizations; academic or volunteer fee waivers; or are from an associated Tribal Nation). Visitors arriving before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m., or between July 7 and August 27, 2025, will not need a timed entry ticket. 

Tickets must be obtained before entering the park and will not be available at the park entrance. Visitors can reserve their tickets through Recreation.gov, either online or over the phone (1-877-444-6777), beginning at 8 a.m. MST on January 2, 2025.

Reservations will be released up to six months in advance in blocks. On January 2, reservations will open for all dates in April, May, and June. On February 1, reservations will open for the month of July and unreserved times for April, May, and June will remain open. The full release schedule is as follows: 

• April–June reservations (April 1–June 30) open January 2. 
• July reservations (July 1–6) open February 1. 
• August reservations (August 28–31) open March 1. 
• September reservations (September 1–30) open April 1. 
• October reservations (October 1–31) open May 1. 

Starting March 31, additional tickets will be released at 7 p.m. MDT nightly for park visits the following day. Any unreserved tickets remain available for same-day booking. 

Read the full news release here.

In this new video, Walt Dabney, former National Park Service Superintendent and Texas State Park Director, discusses the value of America's public lands. Walt shares his passion for exploring and protecting these spaces, emphasizing their role as communal treasures for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and mental well-being.

Check it out here!

The selected travel network for the San Rafael Swell is now available.

Thanks to 6,000+ public comments, feedback from stakeholders, and years of planning efforts, we've released the approved travel plan for the Swell. We've opened 240 miles of previously closed or undesignated routes for public motorized use. The majority of beloved landmark destination routes remain open and accessible.

Some routes were designated as closed to motorized travel to protect resources, minimize user conflicts, and comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. These routes are still available for non-motorized access and authorized users.

Learn more here.

The BLM Moab Field Office is looking for volunteer campground hosts for 2025!

Are you a people-person with a passion for beautiful landscapes and spending time outdoors? If yes, they encourage you to apply to be a campground host!

Camp hosts serve as the primary point of contact for many visitors to the Moab region. They help orient visitors, provide information, and maintain an official presence at their designated station on behalf of the Bureau of Land Management. Camp hosts should be comfortable working independently, maintain a positive and courteous attitude towards visitors, and report issues or emergencies to the appropriate authority. Meal stipends and work travel mileage are reimbursed as part of the volunteer agreement. Hosts are provided with a campsite and other amenities during their times of service as well.

Learn more here.

This year, the science is XTREME! Join Science Moab at Woody's Tavern from 6pm - 7pm!

January 8 | Chris Wilkowske Mill Creek madness: what's behind town's extreme flooding?

February 12 | Kirt Cundick

Rebellion, adrenaline and the psychology of extreme sports!

On Tap sponsors are all about that XTREME generosity: Thank you Canyonlands Natural History Association, Moab City RAP Tax Grant, and Grand County Recreation Special Service District #1!

Learn more about Science Moab here.

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Our Mission

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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