ABSTRACT Existing research demonstrates strong connections between community, identity, place, and narrative. Using a case study focused on the Bears Ears National Monument in San Juan County, Utah, USA, this paper utilizes the framework of “community as story” to explore how narratives both draw on and shape local identity. Through an exploratory content analysis of publicly available media, we examine how residents responded to changes in their communities. Locals expressed their connection to the land through personal and collective narratives, often invoking family history, stewardship, and memories tied to place. Our findings illustrate that residents use storytelling not only to affirm their individual and collective identities but also to resist perceived threats to their community. By demonstrating how place‐based narratives influence community responses to change, this study advances our understanding of the relational dimensions of community and underscores the importance of local voices in discussions on land use and policy.
Asay et al. (2026) studied this question.