Utah Wilderness News, September 9, 2011

Petzl president: time for UT delegation to recognize economic benefits of protected lands

“And finally, think about all the economic benefits our state gets from Zion, Bryce, Arches and Capitol Reef national parks; and Natural Bridges, Dinosaur, Hovenweep, Rainbow Bridge, Cedar Breaks, Timpanogos Cave, and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. All these treasured natural wonders (now major economic tourism engines) got their start through Antiquities Act proclamations by 12 Presidents — six Republicans and six Democrats. Yet our senators and representatives have supported proposals to restrict the use of the Antiquities Act to protect what is already federal land in Utah.”  Op-ed – Standard-Examiner

Roadless backcountry areas are a treasure

“’Taking back Utah’ won’t give sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts more of Utah, it will simply give Utah to the highest bidder. Utah’s roadless and wilderness areas are what make Utah great. Don’t support the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011.”  Letter-to-the-Editor – Vernal Express

What would happen if the UT legislature ran what is now federal land?

“Be careful what you wish for when you want to ‘Take Back Utah.’ Remember, as Americans, the federal lands already belong to us. With that comes the responsibility to preserve and protect.”  Opinion – examiner.com