Utah Congressman Jim Matheson introduced federal legislation that would expand wilderness areas and further protect watersheds on over 26,000 acres in Mill Creek and the Cottonwood Canyons of the Wasatch Mountains. Named the “Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act,” the bill will create a new 7,759-acre wilderness area around Grandeur Peak and Mount Aire, and will add an additional 7,782 acres to the existing wilderness areas of Mt. Olympus, Twin Peaks, and Lone Peak.
On top of all that, the bill sets aside 10,480 acres of “special management areas” (a sort of wilderness light) which will encompass land that still permits helicoptor skiing, while also protecting the watershed.
The announcement was made at the Black Diamond Equipment headquarters in Salt Lake City, where Matheson was joined by Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan, and representatives from the outdoor industry including Peter Metcalf, CEO and President of Black Diamond.
According to Matheson’s office, the legislation was drafted as a collaboration between interested parties, from the Salt Lake Water Department, local ski resorts, Wasatch Powderbird Guides, environmental groups, backcountry skiers, and the mountain biking community. As a result, a lot of compromises had to be made to make everyone happy.
The number one thing everyone does agree on is that protecting the watershed is the priority. But what does this all mean for outdoor recreation in the Wasatch? Here’s a breakdown:
- The north drainage of Mill Creek Canyon and south drainage of Parley’s Canyon will become the Wayne Owens Grandeur Peak/Mount Aire Wilderness Area.
- 813 acress of wilderness will be established in the headwaters of Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Mt. Olympus Wilderness
- 2,342 acres of new wilderness will be established in Beartrap Fork.
- 4,627 acres of wilderness will be added to the Lone Peak Wilderness area.
- ATVs will no longer be allowed in Mineral Fork.
- Land exchange will protect Flagstaff Peak above Alta. (What does this mean for the proposed lift and avalanche mitigation?)
- Snowbird will no longer seek expansion into White Pine.
- Mountain biking will no longer be allowed in these wilderness areas, except for Mill D.
- 10,480 acres of Heliskiing Special Management Areas will be established adjacent to the new Wayne Owens Wilderness, Mt. Olympus Wilderness, Twin Peaks Wilderness including Mineral Fork, Cardiff Fork and Days Fork, as well as the Lone Peak Wilderness in Silver Creek Canyon.
On the whole, it looks like a winner for backcountry skiers (except for those who shake their fists at the Wasatch Powderbird Guides helicoptor as it flies overhead.) But it restricts mountain bike access in much of Mill Creek Canyon. However, it seems that the most popular trails, including Pipeline, Wasatch Crest, and Big and Little Water trails will remain intact for singletrack lovers.
For more information about this pending legislation, check out Congressman Matheson’s website at www.house.gov/matheson