SUWA's Steve Bloch on the agreement to protect Desolation Canyon
"Now is the time to build upon the trust and good will that the agreement between SUWA and Barrett generated to accomplish lasting protection for this uniquely Utah treasure.
By ensuring that the Bill Barrett Corp. will be able to access the substantial natural gas reserves in this area, the agreement “clears the underbrush” that often stands in the way of such bold action.
SUWA is ready to once again roll up its sleeves and work with federal, state, and county leaders to finish the job and protect this priceless Utah natural wonder.
There is also an important role for the Department of Interior to play. Secretary Ken Salazar can direct the BLM to consider designating this special place as a “wilderness study area” to ensure that its wild character is not damaged while the stakeholders address its future. The secretary clearly has the authority to do so, and he should act on that without delay." Read more - The Salt Lake Tribune
Fred Barrett says the agreement is good for business
"Most notably, BBC and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance reached accord allowing protection of the incredible Desolation Canyon landscape while maintaining access to the great majority of the production reserves. From wildlife to wall etchings to wilderness, the BLM and Department of Interior kept everyone focused on their multiple-use mission, one that balances conservation, preservation and development.
This effort on the part of our company is simply good business. We gain the predictability and certainty needed to make the significant capital investment necessary for implementing our plan. We also recognize our responsibility to tread as lightly as possible upon these public lands and are proud of a plan representing what we contend is the most environmentally sensitive development in Utah and perhaps the West." Read more - The Salt Lake Tribune
Salt Lake resident applauds agreement
"SUWA and the Bill Barrett Corp. chose the more difficult and more courageous path: They reached a reasonable resolution to one of the many contentious environmental issues we face. For that, they should be applauded." Letter-to-the-Editor - The Salt Lake Tribune
Compromise on road claims deserves a try
"Signing on to the Iron County test case are the Interior Department and the state of Utah, the Utah Association of Counties, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and others who want to find consensus on road claims in that county, hoping to establish a model to resolve more contentious arguments elsewhere. Officials in other counties should watch the outcome. Expensive litigation to keep questionable roads open on sensitive lands cannot continue to rob taxpayers." Editorial - The Salt Lake Tribune
Two points of view on the America's Great Outdoors listening sessions
"The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance applauded the BLM on Friday for looking to the future protection of wild lands and, through the 'listening sessions,' giving people 'ample opportunity to engage' on public lands.
'There is no reason for anybody to be frightened,” Deeda Seed said of the memo. “This is precisely the conversation we should be having before our wild lands are lost forever.'" Read more - The Salt Lake Tribune
Senate hopeful's idea would pose a significant hurdle to enacting wilderness legislation
“'Should Mr. Lee make it to the Senate,' said Scott Groene, executive director of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 'we anticipate he may reconsider this idea, as it would pose a significant hurdle to enacting legislation.'
He said accommodating the Utah Legislature could add years to an already-lengthy process, and he worries that a county lands bill could become embroiled in extraneous conflicts between lawmakers. Read more - The Salt Lake Tribune
New Utah BLM Director looks forward to making progress on public lands issues
"Palma points to the late-July announcement of the Tavputs Plateau natural gas drilling project as an example of a 'balanced' approach that allows resource extraction but mandates environmental protections.
Called an unprecedented arrangement that forged cooperation between environmental groups such as the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and the Bill Barrett Corp., the 'programmatic agreement' formalized concessions made by both sides to move forward.
'Without that, we are not really getting at what we need to do to arrive where we need to be,' he said. 'What gives me optimism is not innocent or naive optimism but rather is based on the physical and tangible things I can see.'" Read more - Deseret News
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