The state of Utah just let a very big fish off its hook.

After months of sparring with Utah politicians over their repeated attacks on public land protections, including the creation of Bears Ears National Monument, the worlds largest outdoor retail show has decided to part ways with Salt Lake City and find a new home.

The decision was announced Thursday after officials of Outdoor Retailer , the Outdoor Industry Association, Patagonia, The North Face and REI participated in what clearly proved to be a fruitless teleconference with Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.

Salt Lake City has been hospitable to Outdoor Retailer and our industry for the past 20 years, but we are in lockstep with the outdoor community and are working on finding our new home, Marisa Nicholson, show director for Outdoor Retailer, said in a statement.

In its own announcement, the Outdoor Industry Association , one of several sponsors of the biannual event in Salt Lake, said it is clear the Republican governor has a different perspective one it feels is bad for our American heritage and the 1,200 businesses it represents.

It is important to our membership, and to our bottom line that we partner with states and elected officials who share our views on the truly unique American value of public lands for the people and conserving our outdoor heritage for the next generation, Amy Roberts, executive director of Outdoor Industry Association, said in a statement.