Red Rock Wilderness

KUER, our local NPR station ran a story today about how Emery County is forging ahead with its own wilderness act. This is in direct response to America's Red Rock Wilderness Act, which has been around in some form for about 20 years and would in its current form declare 9.4 million acres as wilderness. 

Emery County is a big deal, it is a highly contentious area that is home to the San Rafael Swell. The area that this wilderness bill at the county level would protect is half a million acres; the RRWA would encompass that plus another half a million. 

While Emery County is not breaking new ground with a county level bill, Washington County passed such a piece of legislation, it is different than Washington County in that it is somewhat less politicized. I definitely believe that an effort like this works better from the ground up, citizens should have a say. unfortunately wildlife doesn't pay attention to county boundaries. Where should consensus lie and where should we be willing to compromise?

While doing research for a large piece on Red Rock Wilderness I visited this area not just to hike but to ride an ATV. I had previously experienced areas of the Swell on foot, so I wanted to know what the "other side" was fighting for. The folks who took me out that day had an intimate knowledge of the land. They certainly agreed that some should be set aside, the problem seemed to be with Wilderness, (as opposed to "little w" wilderness), as defined by someone else and imposed on them. Perhaps by focusing on local levels and encouraging community engagement a bill can be devised that satisfies all needs. 

I feel a little scattered right now on this issue, probably because I've spent so much time on it. So, listen to the sweet sounds of Dan Bammes' voice as he explains what's goin' on: 

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kuer/news.newsmain/article/0/1/1585981/KUER.Local.News/New.Wilderness.in.Emery.County

Your truly, clad in blue jacket, on the "Behind the Rocks Trail" in the Swell. 

-Alex Porpora