“S. 3636 would substantially rewrite federal laws controlling southwestern Utah’s public lands in ways that could harm the public’s ability to climb, hike, camp, watch wildlife, hunt, fish, and sightsee in these special places,” said Metcalf, who is director and vice chair of the Outdoor Industry Association, a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry.

Metcalf also cautioned that, “The failure to protect wild lands in Washington County could have direct economic and cultural consequences to the communities in the region.  Active outdoor recreation is increasingly a strong and vital part of our nation’s economy, especially in rural areas.” 

A broad array of groups has expressed opposition to the legislation, asserting that it will exacerbate, not solve, the rampant sprawl and growth that faces Washington County. In addition to outdoor retailers, the Shivwits Band of the Paiutes, archeologists, Taxpayers for Common Sense, and virtually all local and national conservation groups are opposed to the legislation.

In a November 13 letter to both the Indian Affairs Committee and the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Glenn Rogers of the Shivwits Band of the Paiutes expressed opposition to the bill, saying the Shivwits believed it “…would cause lasting damage to culture, history, and way of life. The Act fails to uphold the promise of government to government relationship, and it fails to provide a balance between development and preservation.”

The Washington County legislation would dispose of -- including giving away to private interests -- up to 24,300 acres of public lands. It also provides for hundreds of miles of new utility corridors, including some that cross private land, and a new off-road vehicle trail system, even though BLM is unable to properly manage existing use. The bill also includes new rights-of-way for water development, many at no cost to private interests.

Also in Washington to advocate against the legislation was Lin Alder of Springdale, Utah, who is director of Citizens for Dixie’s Future, a diverse group of Washington County residents seeking a smarter vision for growth in the area. Alder brought with him a petition signed by 1,700 Washington County residents asking Sen. Bob Bennett to postpone pushing the bill through Congress. “Our petition confirms that people care about Washington County, and this legislation is clearly not what they want for the county’s future,” said Alder.

For more information on the legislation: www.zionmojavewilderness.org