This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Should people be allowed to swing from arches overseen by the Bureau of Land Management? The federal agency wants your opinion on the issue.
The Moab field office of the BLM announced Monday that it has completed an environmental assessment on a proposed two-year restriction on any roped activities at Corona Arch and Gemini Bridges in Grand County.
Activities include ziplining, highlining, slacklining, climbing, rappelling and swining on ropes.
BLM officials say they heard from people enjoying the areas for other recreational activities that the rope sports were having a negative impact on their experience.
"We have gotten complaints from those who go up to enjoy the quiet. Is it too much to ask? It's the noise that accompanies that activity that's a problem," Katie Stevens, a recreation planner in BLM's Moab field office, told the Tribune in June.
A man died in March 2013 when the rope he swung from on Corona Arch was too long. Earlier this year another man ended up with critical head injuries and in a long-term care facility in a similar incident at the arch.
According to the BLM, more than 40,000 people visit each of the destinations annually.
The environmental assessment is available at https://www.blm.gov/ut/enbb/index.php by searching for "Corona." Comments can also be made on the website. Officials encourage people to make comments as specific as possible.
People can also submit written comments to Bureau of Land Management, Moab Field Office, Attn. Katie Stevens, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, Utah 84532 or email to blm_ut_mb_comments@blm.gov_ through Sept. 25.
Twitter: @BrettPrettyman