Transferring public lands to Utah is a "disastrous, frivolous policy" that is more likely to bankrupt the state, wreck a robust outdoor economy and industrialize scenic landscapes than solve the state's endless fights over land management, a diverse parade of speakers proclaimed Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda.
Such a move, codified by a Utah law enacted three years ago, is really a reckless gamble that is diverting resources to "the land-grab casino" and ruining real chances for land-management reform, according to speakers who included educators, environmentalists, sportsmen and makers of outdoor gear.
"Governor, we call on you to distance yourself from the few legislators who cooked up this mess. Collaboration is the best way to solve our problems," said Dan McCool, a University of Utah political science professor who acted as MC for the rally. "This effort is unconstitutional, yet the state insists on pressing forward in this fruitless war on our public lands." In the audience was one of Utah's key advocates for land transfer, Rep. Mike Noel of Kanab, who took the mic after the last speaker. Under a hail of boos, he argued access and stewardship would improve under state control. After the sound was cut off, the Republican went nose-to-nose with transfer critics, some holding signs with slogans like "Stop the Klepto Terra Ists."...
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