Utah’s National Monuments Need YOU: Public Comments Due by July 10th!
On June 12th, Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke issued an interim report recommending that Bears Ears National Monument be significantly reduced in size—a move that simultaneously dishonored Native American Tribes and ignored the input of hundreds of thousands of American citizens.
Meanwhile, Secretary Zinke has invited Kane and Garfield counties to submit revised boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante—a well established monument celebrated for revitalizing local communities and yielding stunning paleontological discoveries.
With both monuments under siege, a strong record of public support is essential. If you haven’t made your voice heard yet, now is the time. Tell Secretary Zinke to leave Utah’s monuments alone! The deadline for submitting comments is July 10th.
For more information on Bears Ears visit https://suwa.org/zinke-vows-eviscerate-bears-ears/
For more information on Grand Staircase-Escalante visit https://suwa.org/help-save-grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument/
Photos © Tim Peterson (left) and James Kay (right)
Proposed Oil and Gas Leases Threaten San Rafael Swell and Dinosaur National Monument
For the third time in five years, the BLM is proposing to offer leases in the Molen Reef region of the western San Rafael Swell—an area with high cultural and archaeological density and outstanding recreational opportunities. The leases were deferred twice before due to lack of information on cultural and archaeological resources, yet they are being offered once again despite the BLM’s admission that only 0.6 percent of the proposed parcels have been surveyed.
At the same time, the agency is proposing to offer leases immediately adjacent to Dinosaur National Monument. This ill-advised proposal would green-light oil and gas development right next to the monument, including along the primary access route travelled by thousands of visitors annually.
The BLM is currently accepting public comments on this oil and gas leasing proposal. With your help we were able to fight off earlier attempts to auction off public lands in these areas to private industrial development—and we will do so again. Please make your voice heard by submitting comments today. >> Read more on our blog.
>> Click here to comment on the San Rafael Swell Lease parcels
>> Click here to comment on the Dinosaur National Monument lease parcels
Photo © Ray Bloxham/SUWA
Help Build Support for America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act in Congress!
In April, against the backdrop of President Trump’s savage attack on our national monuments and environmental protection generally, our congressional champions, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), reintroduced America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act in both houses of Congress.
This year marks the 28th anniversary of the visionary legislation that would safeguard some of the nation’s most spectacular landscapes with wilderness designation of 9.2 million acres of BLM land in Utah. The Senate bill, S. 948, boasted 18 original cosponsors at introduction and the House companion measure, HR. 2044, had 30. In total, cosponsorships included members from 22 states, a breadth of support that underscores the affection Americans have for the canyon country.
>> Click here to see if your members of Congress have cosponsored the bill.
If they have, please thank them. If they haven’t, please ask them to cosponsor America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act today!
Photo © Ray Bloxham/SUWA
Immediate Opening for Latino Community Organizer in Salt Lake City
The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance has an immediate opening for a full-time Latino Community Organizer in our Salt Lake City office.
The primary focus of SUWA’s Latino Community Organizer is building, maintaining, and demonstrating support within the Latino community in Utah for SUWA’s congressional and administrative efforts to protect Utah’s wilderness lands.
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, 2-page writing sample (original work), and 3 references to dave@suwa.org. The deadline to submit your application is June 30, 2017. Please include your name and the words “Latino Community Organizer” in the subject line.
Photo © Ray Bloxham/SUWA
Bike or Hike to Support Utah Wilderness!
SUWA is excited to be a beneficiary of Climate Ride, a nonprofit that organizes life-changing charitable events to support sustainability, active
transportation, and environmental causes. If you’re a cyclist or a hiker, consider signing up for a fully-supported charitable challenge that helps fund our work to protect the redrock. Find an event near you at bit.ly/1djTnAt
SUWA’s 2017 Field Volunteer Season is Underway!
Looking for a way to make a difference? Join our field crew for monthly volunteer opportunities in the backcountry this summer and fall. Work with SUWA staff and regional agencies on wildlife and wild lands protection projects throughout the state. Get your hands dirty while learning about the issues that affect Utah’s citizens and Utah lands.
Upcoming Service Trips:
Bears Ears National Monument, July29-30
La Sal Mountains, August 12-13
Mule Canyon, September 10
Indian Creek, October 21-22
Additional trips to be added soon—visit suwa.org/events for an updated schedule. Contact volunteer@suwa.org with inquiries and to register!
