Monumental Vision: suwa, Black Diamond and PEtzl hope to protect the red rock DESERT. Photo courtesy of Ray Bloxham/SUWA
Red rock spires reach hundreds of feet into the sky. Giant boulders rest precariously atop enormous towers. Orange and white swirls decorate wind-swept stone basins that hold secrets from ancient lives. Although walking on Mars remains impossible for the time being, visiting southern Utah’s canyon country near Moab—a region reminiscent of the red planet—is well within reach.
However, the future of this otherworldly landscape—1.4 million acres surrounding Canyonlands National Park—has recently been called into question. Powerful groups, including mining and drilling special interests and Utah’s Governor Herbert, threaten to alter the pristine character of this exceptional place by permitting, and even expanding, unmanaged off-road vehicle use and oil, gas and uranium extraction.
Environmentalists, nature lovers and big players in the outdoor industry like Black Diamond and Petzl have organized to fight for federal protection for the land, seeking the creation of a Greater Canyonlands National Monument (GCNM). The designation would prohibit destructive development and extractive mining and drilling, while still allowing for appropriate recreational use. At stake is one of the largest roadless areas in the lower 48, full of beauty, solitude, ecological values, recreation opportunities and an extraordinary wealth of archeological resources dating back 9,000 years—all of which draw more than 500,000 visitors to canyon country each year.
Aron Ralston, known for his life-and-limb-threatening ordeal in Blue John Canyon, part of the area in contention, is one of many who have raised his voice for the cause. “My experiences in the Greater Canyonlands area have blessed me with adventure, companionship, beauty, and the understanding that I’m a lot more capable than I would have ever thought possible,” says Ralston. “We have to speak on behalf of canyon country and get President Obama to proclaim a Greater Canyonlands National Monument.”
Until Obama acts, the fate of this rare landscape remains uncertain. In the meantime, supporters continue to gather signatures for a letter that will land on the president’s desk later this fall. Ideally, he will choose to create the GCNM, but could wait until after the election to decide.
“The reality is that if we don’t do something fast, no one is going to be able to play here anymore, and the Utah tourism economy will take a huge ding,” says Malcolm Daly, an industry icon and advocate who is involved because of how formative this area has been for him and his family. “With a GCNM, we’d be able to protect it for all of us.”
Get involved:
suwa.org/protect-greater-canyonlands
—Chris Kassar
