The Mountain Accord took a big step toward becoming a reality this week as Utah’s U.S. Congressman, Jason Chaffetz, introduced the Central Wasatch National Conservation and Recreation Area Act. According to a press release, the act (H.R. 5718) will steer conservation of the Central Wasatch in a new direction as the bill “seeks to balance the need to protect drinking water, preserve recreational opportunities, enhance access, and accommodate future population growth.”
“Utah once again leads the way in demonstrating the power of a collaborative approach to local problems. I’m pleased that so many parties with such varied agendas could come together in agreement on a way forward for our beloved Wasatch Mountains. This bill will guide our growth and preservation efforts for decades to come,” Chaffetz said.
If passed, the bill will preserve approximately 80,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land including Salt Lake City’s watershed, scenic ridgelines, landscapes and recreation areas while facilitating ski resorts to own more land in their established base areas. Here is a break down of what the bill looks like:
● Natural resources and watersheds will be protected
● Existing Wilderness Area boundaries will be adjusted for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail alignment and for transportation improvements
● Approximately 8,000 acres of wilderness will be added
● The U.S. Forest Service will maintain ownership and management of the lands
● Land exchanges between the U.S. Forest Service and the four Cottonwood Canyons ski resorts are authorized
● Ski resort permit boundaries on U.S. Forest Service land will be fixed permanently after some adjustments through the existing permitting process
● New roads for automobiles will be prohibited on U.S. Forest Service land
● No restrictions will be placed on U.S. Forest Service management for fire suppression, vegetation maintenance, avalanche control or other emergency measures
● Private land within the area or adjacent to the area being designated will not be affected
● Future transportation improvements are anticipated. The legislation enables transportation improvements to meet growing demand
In addition, all existing recreational uses and permits will continue unhindered.
If you support the bill, Save Our Canyons has put together a petition for you to sign.
So what do you think about this portion of the Mountain Accord being introduced to Congress? Will these changes be a good thing for the Wasatch, or will it destroy the character of our mountains?
Where can we find the details? What land is being exchanged? Ski resorts can make “some adjustments” to their boundaries. What does that mean? Way too vague of a description.
This map shows where the new wilderness will be, plus ski resort boundary changes. Looks like Solitude will get expansion in lower Honeycomb/Silver Fork Canyons, while Brighton will expand into Hidden Canyon.
http://mountainaccord.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/proposed_central_wasatch_national_conservation_and_recreation_area_map.pdf
Thanks Jared.