Conservationists Respond to Interior Secretary Salazar’s Announcement on R.S. 2477 in Utah
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PRESS RELEASE
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| Date: | July 30, 2010 |
| Contact: | Heidi McIntosh, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, 801-486-3161 Kristen Brengel, NPCA, 202-320-2913 Anne Merwin, The Wilderness Society, 202-556-2920 |
Conservationists Respond to Interior Secretary Salazar’s Announcement on R.S. 2477 in Utah
Statement from Heidi McIntosh, Associate Director, Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance:
"We have long sought partners among the state and counties who would work with us to find a solution to the R.S. 2477 problem, and support a dialog on this important issue. A process which recognizes legitimate roads while protecting scenic and wild country at the same time is a possible step in the right direction. We look forward to working with the County to reach a solution like that where everyone wins."
Statement from Kristen Brengel, Legislative Director, National Parks Conservation Association:
“We applaud Secretary Salazar’s participation in resolving longstanding R.S. 2477 road disputes that affect National Parks and other public lands in Utah. We look forward to participating in an open, cooperative public process that seeks to settle conflicts over road claims. Zion National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, and Cedar Breaks National Monument are among the national park units where R.S. 2477 claims have been asserted in the past. We welcome an opportunity to work with federal, state and local officials to bring some closure to this issue.”
Statement from Anne Merwin, Policy Advisor, The Wilderness Society:
“We look forward to the opportunity to discover common ground with our local and federal partners on this long-controversial issue. Working together to provide for legitimate transportation needs while also helping ensure the protection of some of the state’s wildest and most beautiful places is a value we all share.”
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