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The recent U.S. Senate passage of an omnibus public lands bill is significant for the nation, but especially for Utah. Finally, after decades of debate, major progress has been made in the controversial arena of wilderness designation!
Nationally, two million acres in nine states will be given wilderness status and protection, with some 256,000 of that acreage in Utah's Washington County. Mostly, it is in the area of Zion National park. It protects much of the Virgin River and allows for the sale of non-environmentally sensitive BLM lands.
All parties in the contentious debate deserve commendation, most notably local government leaders, dedicated conservationists and Interior Department bureaucrats. Senator Bob Bennett and Congressman Jim Matheson spearheaded the bipartisan effort.
It shows what can be accomplished when all sides buckle down, moderate strident positions and work for the common good. While no group is completely happy with the compromises reached, it reaffirms that the government process works best when the debate, though intense, is civil and underscored with realistic objectives.
Now, the measure goes to the U.S. House of Representatives where KSL urges similar quick approval. Then, let what happened with Washington County become a model for future debates over wilderness designation in Utah.
