Help Protect the Greater Canyonlands Region
There is no landscape on earth like the red rock canyon country of southern Utah. To follow a winding wash down a serpentine canyon, to hear the cascading call of a can- yon wren pierce the timeless silence, to lie with your back on stone and stare at soaring cliffs, is to restore a sense of sanity and rekindle hope.
But like too many places we love, the precious landscapes of southern Utah remain at risk. Bush-era resource management plans leave these lands vulnerable to exploding off-road vehicle use, oil and gas development, and the endless proliferation of roads. The pressure is relentless, and without action this extraordinary landscape will be diminished.
Conservationists have long promoted passage of America‘s Red Rock Wilderness Act, a visionary act that would protect 9.2 million acres of BLM land in Utah. Now red rock enthusiasts are calling on the Obama administration to protect the Greater Canyonlands – the magnificent wild region surrounding Canyonlands National Park. This is a landscape of stunning plateaus and unique geologic formations, 10,000 year old archeological sites, and unmatched natural beauty – including iconic landmarks such as Labyrinth Canyon, Indian Creek, White Canyon, Robbers Roost and the Dirty Devil.
The good news is that the Obama administration has tools available to protect Greater Canyonlands – if they choose to act. President Obama could protect the region through executive action. Interior Secretary Salazar could respond to conservationists‘ petition seeking review of existing off-road vehicle plans that open over 2,400 miles of routes in the area. BLM could grant a comprehensive public comment period inviting citizen input about the future of Greater Canyonlands.
But the Obama administration needs to act. The future of Greater Canyonlands lies in their hands.
How you can help: Urge President Obama to protect the Greater Canyonlands region: feedback@ios.doi.gov Help us collect 10,000 signed postcards to Obama: contact terri@suwa.org For more info: www.suwa.org
