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Utah lawmakers in 1999 did a good thing when they created the LeRay McAllister Critical Lands Conservation Fund.
It’s named for a long-time former state senator, a staunch conservative who also championed conservation causes. The intent was to appropriate up to $6 million annually for preserving critical open spaces and natural lands in Utah.
Yes, lawmakers did a good thing when they created the fund, but they’ve been abysmally shortsighted in actually providing the money, and never at the authorized $6 million level.
This is the year to do it . . . to honor the memory of Senator McAllister. He died last month at the age of 75.
Senator McAllister believed strongly in limited government and fiscal responsibility. An accountant by profession – he taught at BYU – he knew the value of a dollar. As an outdoorsman, he also new the value of parks, trails and open space. He encouraged their establishment and preservation.
Fully funding the McAllister Fund would be a fitting tribute to the man who inspired its creation. Beyond that, though, it’s simply the right thing to do. Vital lands in Utah are disappearing quickly. Without doubt, full funding of the LeRay McAllister Fund would be a blessing to future generations.
