Will President Obama come to the rescue of Utah wildlands?

The Salt Lake Tribune:

The Outdoor Industry Association and more than 100 outdoor-related businesses are asking President Barack Obama to designate 1.4 million acres of federal wildlands surrounding Canyonlands National Park as a national monument.

The OIA and businesses supporting the monument designation are sending a letter Tuesday to the president, asking for the protective designation of what is commonly called Greater Canyonlands.

…The Greater Canyonlands area includes geologic landmarks such as Labyrinth Canyon, Indian Creek, White Canyon, Fiddler Butte, Robbers Roost, Lockhart Basin and the Dirty Devil River.

Canyonlands monument plan

Meanwhile, local residents of San Juan County are proposing a National Conservation Area (NCA) to be called “Diné Bikéyah,” or “Land of the Navajo People.” Unlike a national monument, an NCA requires an act of Congress. The NCA effort might also include legislation for wilderness designation.

One way or another, it looks like land preservation issues in southeastern Utah are about to make headlines once again.

UPDATE: Proposal for Canyonlands monument draws fire

Be Sociable, Share!

•