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Anyone within the state of Utah, Arizona or Colorado (and everyone else who concerns themselves with environmental issues) has heard the uproar as of late. The government has begun to auction off 148,598 acres of federal land to energy companies look to expand exploration and possible mining operations in hope to increase gas and mineral production.
Some see this as a bad thing, and some don't really care. In any case, it tend to polarize the masses, and defines where people stand on these sorts of issues. Some people think that this massive land auction could be the "death of the Colorado River" (see Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash., said, "It's a little bit like someone telling you they're going to rob only part of your house. It is a final insult from an administration that has done so much to destroy this country."
I think both sides have some legitimate issues. The government almost sold some vital pieces of land that border such famous places as Dinosaur National Monument and Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. I see no good reason why they would want someone drilling within eyesight of these wonderful natural landscapes. The rest however is fair game. It could stimulate the local economy and start to decrease foreign dependancy on oil.
As usual, its tough to take sides, since I see flaws in both arguments. And, as usual, the most probable solution lies somewhere in the middle.
Utah National Parks generate more for the state than many may think. Behind the "beautiful scene" that the National Parks provide, there is a plethora of jobs, revenue and additional benefits that pump back into the state.
The most recent study shows that Utah National Park alone maintain over 11,000 jobs and generate $485 million into the Utah economy. When you take the marketing and operational dollars spent on the Parks, you end up with the system making $4 on every $1 spent. In business terms, that is what we call a "cash cow".
The main purpose of the Utah National Parks is not necessarily to generate money, but it is extremely important to do so. The money generated from the National Parks goes to many sources. Jobs (which has become an increasingly important commodity as of late), tax revenue for the state, upkeep of the park grounds, legal fees, roadways and travel, advertising, etc... We are able to visit and enjoy these National Parks as they are because the government and state agencies use the money to preserve and protect these important areas.
Utah has Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reed National Park and Zions National Park. On top of that there are also about 12 other national designated areas or trails. I am not sure if the national areas where included in the numbers cited above, but either way, Utah's National Parks are doing well.
There has been quite a bit of hype locally surrounding the news the the Bandidos motorcycle gang is going to be coming into town this weekend. Some businesses are shutting down for the weekend, while other seem excited about the visit.
It has become one of those situations that has already been blown out of proportion due to the hype before the event acutually happens. One thing is for sure though, there will be a lot of motorcycles and bandidos the whole weekend.
KSL reports upwards of 500-800 Bandidos could be coming, if not more. For the most part their violence has been concentrated towards the Hell's Angels bike gang, a violent war that has been waged for decades.
In any case, it will be interesting to see if the bike gang holds true to their "we come in peace" message, or if something else takes place.
The Moab Adventure Center is hosting the second annual Raft for the Cure in Moab, Utah this year. Right now the date is set for July 12th, and people have already begun signing up to take the trip.
It will be a full day if river rafting, riverside lunch at the red cliffs lodge, and then a BBQ dinner and live concert afterwords. This year the even will headline local artist Peter Breinholt, who will play live music from the Moab stage at the Moab Adventure Center.
Price is $100 for adults, and $85 for youth. The price include everything (rafting, shirts, meals, concert) so you just have to show up and you are good to go.
The event last year was pretty crazy, and it was fun to get so many people on the river at one. Hopefully more people come this year to raise money for the organization. It should be a super blast. The image here is a sneak preview of the 2008 T-shirt that was designed for the event. Pretty cool shirt!
The landrover G4 Challenge is on this year, and have opened recruitment for U.S. participants to represent their country. Participants will go through a series of challenges, gearing up for the finals that will be held in 2009. This is one of the most serious off-road adventures, a team race spanning across the globe. In 2003, the challenge finale was held in Moab, UT. The race has gone through various rugged and rough terrains in Thailand, Laos, Brazil and Bolivia.
This year's national selections will be held in May, in the Nevada Desert. They claim that the Challenge will be "environmentally sensitive" and fully carbon offset through Climate Care (whatever that means). Don't care how you spin it, you can't really have a totally environmentally clean off-road rampage with vehicles.
Anyway, still a pretty cool adventure race. Registrations and information can be found at www.landroverg4challenge.com
The official 2008 Moab Utah Calendar of Events is now updated on the Moab Adventure Center website. It has all the major activities and events that will be happening in Moab this year.
All the regulars, like the Jeep Safari, Skinny Tire Festival, music and arts festivals are all on there with the dates. We also put our annual Raft for the Cure event this year which will be on July 12th this year.
If you are from anywhere in Western United State, you have probably heard of rivers being designated and national "Wild and Scenic". Utah has yet to designate any rivers under the Wild and Scenic act, but they will soon join the ranks. Utah and Nevada are currently the only western states to not have used this important designation for any of it's rivers.
The Wild and Scenic Act puts rivers under a protection status from further develpment and keeps them in their natural state (as much as possible). The Bureau of Land Management in Utah recently identified 30 river segments that are eligible for designation; another 118 are still being considered.
Segments include sections of the Green River, which is a great addition to the program. Although there are many rivers throughout the state, the most notable rivers are in the south, near the Moab area, with the Colorado and the Green River, which meet in what is called Cataract Canyon.
The designation will be one step in the right direction in keeping the rivers protected and safe for future wildlife and recreational use.
