Just Received this email
Dear Mr. Bagnell,
Knowing of your interest in the proposed Red Rock Wilderness legislation, I wanted to share with you recent developments regarding this legislation.
As you may know, on October 1, 2009 there was a hearing before the National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee regarding H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. I presented testimony at the hearing. I said Utah has precious land that should be protected, but the Red Rock legislation as it is designed does not reflect the collective views of the many interested stakeholders in Utah, and will not effectively accomplish the goal of designating appropriate land as wilderness.
The debate about establishing wilderness areas in Utah has always been contentious. There are many stakeholders with different perspectives of Utah public lands issues. If we want to make progress, a collaborative process that engages all stakeholders must occur. Recently, I helped write the Washington County Growth and Conservation Act. It designated 256,000 acres of wilderness, the first ever Wild and Scenic River in Utah, and authorized the removal of a dam site within an environmentally- sensitive habitat. It was not just a wilderness bill, and it was a bipartisan effort that eventually led to great progress on this most contentious public lands issue. My work on this legislation represents the process that is the best way, but the only way to accomplish the goal of addressing public lands issues in Utah.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also has significant concerns with H.R. 1925. In his testimony, BLM director Richard V. Abbey expressed similar concerns to mine about the bill not having been a product of various stakeholders. In addition, the BLM testimony advocated for a process like the Washington County approach.
Wilderness cannot be the work of only one group of stakeholders, no matter how extensive or sincere. That is a major reason why I do not support HR 1925-it does not reflect the collective views of the many interested stakeholders in Utah. As legislators, our job is to achieve progress. I am committed to being a partner with all stakeholders in a collaborative effort that dissolves gridlock and provides a legacy for future generations.
If you have any other questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
EMAIL.BEGINHIDE.MERGE
The hub and one other so far heading out around lunch time. It would be a good time.
