A new short film about a Utahn’s mission to save the Bears Ears area of southeastern Utah has recently been released by Patagonia. “Defined by the Line: The Fight to Protect Bears Ears” is about rock climber Josh Ewing, and his passion for protecting his favorite corner of the state from extractive industry. It’s part of a series of films from Patagonia called, “The New Localism.”
According to Ewing, he moved to the tiny town of Bluff in 2012, leaving behind a high-paying job in Salt Lake City. The reason? To be closer to his favorite crack climbing mecca of Indian Creek. While exploring his new back yard of Cedar Mesa, he fell in love with the landscape, archeological ruins and untapped climbing potential. As a result, he became the Executive Director of a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting public lands in San Juan County.
His bigger mission? To work with Native American leaders, locals, and conservationists to ultimately create the Bears Ears National Conservation Area or even a National Monument. His mission and love for Cedar Mesa is featured in “Defined by the Line,” and it’s an educational and inspiring edit. Watch the film below, or check it out at patagonia.com/us/the-new-localism/Bears-Ears