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Washington County, said to be the fifth fastest growing county in the nation, desperately needs to get a better handle on the growth that is occurring there. Now a broad-based plan for public lands is being put forth in the form of proposed legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Bennett and Congressman Jim Matheson.
It is a plan that warrants thoughtful evaluation and debate!
The plan would set aside 219,000 acres as wilderness in the county. Is the fact that most of that acreage is within Zion National Park misleading, or is the wilderness designation sufficient considering the extent of the county's spectacular landscape?
The plan allows for selling 25,000 acres of public land and using the proceeds for education and water projects in addition to earmarking funds for preservation. But, would that line the pockets of developers more than benefit the general public?
The plan establishes a system of trails for Off Highway Vehicle recreation. Would that to lead to responsible management of OHV's in the backcountry, or merely invite more motorized damage to sensitive ecosystems?
These and other critical questions deserve full debate as the measure proceeds through the national legislative process. In KSL's view, the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act offers a sensible blueprint for advancing the discussion and finding ways to deal with what's happening in the St. George area.
