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SALT LAKE CITY — A Denver-based group vehemently opposed to Utah's efforts to wrest control of certain federal lands from the government turned to some power hitters in a Monday press conference, enlisting condemnation of the battle from the state's first outdoor recreation director.
The Center for Western Priorities' event at the state Capitol also featured remarks by former Utah chief of the Bureau of Land Management Juan Palma, who called the state's efforts a risky proposition with "no chance for success."
The press conferenced marked the start of a summerlong advertising campaign dubbed "U-Turn Utah," in which the group is cultivating public opposition to the state of Utah's fight with the federal government to get title to 32 million acres of federal public lands it says was promised at statehood.
Utah lawmakers passed legislation in 2012 demanding the federal government relinquish title or risk a lawsuit. This year the Utah Legislature set aside $4 million for the fight.
Brad Petersen, who was the nation's first state director devoted to the task of promoting outdoor recreation, stepped down from the post last fall after just more than two years in the position created by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.
Herbert has been a vocal critic of federal land management policies, insisting the state can do a better job than a top-down "one-size fits all" Washington, D.C., approach.
Thanks to everyone who turned out to #UturnUtah this morning! https://t.co/2m9hofuQqd
— Western Priorities (@WstrnPriorities) May 23, 2016
Our distinguished speakers: pic.twitter.com/JGhXwcbCfY
But Petersen said control of federal public lands is best left to the government agencies already tasked with managing them.
"I ask the Legislature, many of whom are my friends, to study the facts, eliminate the emotion and focus on investing my tax contributions into initiatives that will improve Utah," he said.
Palma, representing Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting and the Outdoors, said Latinos, as the nation's fastest growing population, are increasingly turning to the outdoors to connect with nature and tap into their heritage.
"The future of public lands will depend on support from all Americans," Palma said. "Our grandchildren's children call upon us today to hold in trust these public lands for the future."
The advertising campaign, which includes billboards in Salt Lake City, Denver, Reno and Phoenix, calls on Utah policymakers to make a "U-turn" in their public lands fight.
