Designating areas as National Parks is supposed to protect some of the most pristine and beautiful natural spaces that we have here in America. But unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. About a week ago we wrote about the US Bureau of Land Management announcement of the December 19 auction of 50,000 acres of oil and gas parcels alongside or within view of Arches National Park, as well as Dinosaur National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
As that day comes closer, the more I become irate regarding the decision. Having personally spent a significant amount of time in this area of the country, I am shocked that some of the most iconic landmarks like Delicate Arch could be threatened by drilling platforms. And if you’re as appalled as I am, we’re not the only ones. The National Park Service’s top official in Utah had the exact same sentiment, calling the move “shocking and disturbing” and notes that the agency wasn’t properly notified. Environmentalists have also taken a strong approach towards the decision. “This is the fire sale, the Bush administration’s last great gift to the oil and gas industry,” said Stephen Bloch, a staff attorney for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
If you’re having trouble visualization what this decision could mean, imagine standing at Delicate Arch. You’ve hiked in at the end of the day to catch the excellent evening light. But as you pull your camera out to capture the moment, you realize the classic shot won’t be as pristine as it once was; through the middle of the arch you just might see drill pads on the hillside behind. So much for protecting our country’s most naturally rich places.
Want to do something about it? Find out more about the issues at the following organizations:
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
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Had a lot of fun visiting Utah. What a great place. I wish I could go back and see Park City. That would be great