landusepbb
08-09-2002, 09:53 AM
Federal, State, and County Officials Urge Citizens to Join the Dialogue
–Should the San Rafael Swell Become a National Monument?–
www.ut.blm.gov/sanrafaelswell
Contact: Don Banks 801.539.4021
August 8, 2002
(Salt Lake City) - Federal, State, and County government leaders will announce today a "community dialogue process" designed to further explore the question as to whether or not the San Rafael Swell should be designated a national monument.
"What is the best way to ensure that the wonderful landscapes and important scientific and historic resources of the region are both protected and enjoyed?" Should the San Rafael Swell be added to our nation’s honor roll of special places?" These, according to Utah BLM State Director Sally Wisely, are among the central questions at hand.
Governor Leavitt and Emery County Commissioners Ira Hatch, Drew Sitterud and Randy Johnson, will join Wisely to co-host a special public meeting held today in Castle Dale, Utah to pose these questions as well as explain the specifics about the information and public feedback program government officials have crafted to solicit input.
"The San Rafael Swell is an extraordinary treasure deserving appropriate and conscientious stewardship," said Leavitt. "I encourage residents to voice their concerns, give suggestions and get involved in this historic collaborative opportunity."
Long-time Emery County Commissioner Randy Johnson, who has been involved in previous efforts to gain special designation for San Rafael Swell, urged those who espouse balance and normally speak in a quieter voice to get involved. "Monument designation is an open question best answered through active, constructive dialogue among those who know and care about this very special place," said Johnson.
The joint information process, explained Wisely, is in response to a directive sent by President Bush to Interior Secretary Gale Norton asking for information relevant to determining if national monument designation is warranted. The President’s request was prompted by an earlier letter from Governor Leavitt, written on behalf of the Emery County Commission, asking the president to begin a process that could be used to consider the San Rafael Swell for special designation.
Referring to the cooperative effort that has joined governments who have sometimes been at odds over public land issues in the past, Wisely added, " It’s great to be working shoulder to shoulder with State and County partners on this process. By combining efforts we will be able to reach out farther and accomplish more than any one of us could going it alone."
To facilitate open dialogue, representatives from federal, state and county government have developed a multifaceted program to elicit frank discussion and common sense problem solving.
The first step involves opportunities for people to learn more about the wealth of human and natural resources that make the Swell such an incredible place. An information Website, resource symposium and guided field tours highlight the educational component of the program.
Information activities will be followed up by opportunities for the public to add their comments and perspectives. Workshops will be held throughout the region during October to gain input on what people value most about the Swell and their preferences for future management. Feedback will also be sought from a public opinion survey that will be developed in part by interest groups who have often crossed swords in the past over the uses of the Swell. In order to gain input that is representative of the general public, the survey will be administered to random samples inside Emery County, the State of Utah and at the national level. The survey will also be available to "all comers" via the project Website. Dr. Keith Allred, a professor from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, who specializes in dispute resolution and mediation, leads this innovative project.
In addition to information programs and public feedback, BLM officials will also compile an inventory of the known scientific, cultural and historic resources found in the San Rafael Swell area. This report, that will be made available to the public in late October, is in response to the President’s request for information of "historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest."
The entire study is expected to take approximately six months, with a BLM final report consolidating inventory findings, public perspectives and recommendations from the County and the State of Utah, sent to Secretary Norton in February 2003.
For more information, individuals should contact the Utah BLM State Office at 801.539.4021; or better yet, click on the San Rafael Swell Website at www.ut.blm.gov/sanrafaelswell.
–Should the San Rafael Swell Become a National Monument?–
www.ut.blm.gov/sanrafaelswell
Contact: Don Banks 801.539.4021
August 8, 2002
(Salt Lake City) - Federal, State, and County government leaders will announce today a "community dialogue process" designed to further explore the question as to whether or not the San Rafael Swell should be designated a national monument.
"What is the best way to ensure that the wonderful landscapes and important scientific and historic resources of the region are both protected and enjoyed?" Should the San Rafael Swell be added to our nation’s honor roll of special places?" These, according to Utah BLM State Director Sally Wisely, are among the central questions at hand.
Governor Leavitt and Emery County Commissioners Ira Hatch, Drew Sitterud and Randy Johnson, will join Wisely to co-host a special public meeting held today in Castle Dale, Utah to pose these questions as well as explain the specifics about the information and public feedback program government officials have crafted to solicit input.
"The San Rafael Swell is an extraordinary treasure deserving appropriate and conscientious stewardship," said Leavitt. "I encourage residents to voice their concerns, give suggestions and get involved in this historic collaborative opportunity."
Long-time Emery County Commissioner Randy Johnson, who has been involved in previous efforts to gain special designation for San Rafael Swell, urged those who espouse balance and normally speak in a quieter voice to get involved. "Monument designation is an open question best answered through active, constructive dialogue among those who know and care about this very special place," said Johnson.
The joint information process, explained Wisely, is in response to a directive sent by President Bush to Interior Secretary Gale Norton asking for information relevant to determining if national monument designation is warranted. The President’s request was prompted by an earlier letter from Governor Leavitt, written on behalf of the Emery County Commission, asking the president to begin a process that could be used to consider the San Rafael Swell for special designation.
Referring to the cooperative effort that has joined governments who have sometimes been at odds over public land issues in the past, Wisely added, " It’s great to be working shoulder to shoulder with State and County partners on this process. By combining efforts we will be able to reach out farther and accomplish more than any one of us could going it alone."
To facilitate open dialogue, representatives from federal, state and county government have developed a multifaceted program to elicit frank discussion and common sense problem solving.
The first step involves opportunities for people to learn more about the wealth of human and natural resources that make the Swell such an incredible place. An information Website, resource symposium and guided field tours highlight the educational component of the program.
Information activities will be followed up by opportunities for the public to add their comments and perspectives. Workshops will be held throughout the region during October to gain input on what people value most about the Swell and their preferences for future management. Feedback will also be sought from a public opinion survey that will be developed in part by interest groups who have often crossed swords in the past over the uses of the Swell. In order to gain input that is representative of the general public, the survey will be administered to random samples inside Emery County, the State of Utah and at the national level. The survey will also be available to "all comers" via the project Website. Dr. Keith Allred, a professor from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, who specializes in dispute resolution and mediation, leads this innovative project.
In addition to information programs and public feedback, BLM officials will also compile an inventory of the known scientific, cultural and historic resources found in the San Rafael Swell area. This report, that will be made available to the public in late October, is in response to the President’s request for information of "historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, or other objects of historic or scientific interest."
The entire study is expected to take approximately six months, with a BLM final report consolidating inventory findings, public perspectives and recommendations from the County and the State of Utah, sent to Secretary Norton in February 2003.
For more information, individuals should contact the Utah BLM State Office at 801.539.4021; or better yet, click on the San Rafael Swell Website at www.ut.blm.gov/sanrafaelswell.