HELP Stop SkiLink: Sign the petition!

Sign on to the following letter by signing the online petition! 

Change.org|Online Petition Template

Greetings,

As a lover of the Wasatch Range, I am asking you to please withdraw and oppose The Wasatch Range Recreation Enhancement Act (HR3452, S1883), a piece of federal legislation mandating the sale of public watershed lands to Talisker, Inc. a global real estate development company and managing corporation of the Canyons Ski Resort in Park City, Utah. Instead we urge you to join and participate in currently ongoing local public processes involving comprehensive transportation and resource planning. Pursuing legislation like HR3452 and S1883 is counterproductive to local efforts that have been taking place since at least 2010. By continuing important public dialogue we can work toward finding solutions that benefit the long term future of the central Wasatch for recreationists, skiers, tourists and the overall health and productiveness of our municipal watershed. While the ski industry is a prominent user of our public lands in the central Wasatch, they should not trump the many other uses that take place in these mountains. Experiences enjoyed by people hiking, climbing, bird watching, hunting, fishing, camping, picnicking, wildlife viewing, mountain biking, snowshoeing are equally important to visitors of these public lands and will be directly impacted by the proposed legislation. The reduction of vehicle miles travelled is a noble cause. However, SkiLink caters to a small minority, yet stands to displace a majority. We need year-round, comprehensive transportation solutions that reduce vehicle miles travelled in the canyons and serves the multiple uses that access these amazing canyons 365 days per year. Solutions need to help the Ski industry as much as they help other recreationists, but the ultimate goal must be protection of the water resources while maintaining the scenic beauty of the canyons which draws over 5 million visits annually. As an elected official, representing the diverse interests of the citizens of Utah, we urge you to participate in civic dialogues, aimed at solving the many issues confronting the sustainment of this resource that is vital to our quality of life, our economy, and most of all that provides high quality water needed both for industry and life in this arid valley. Please represent me and work towards supportable solutions and withdraw and oppose these divisive pieces of legislation. ---------------- Sincerely, [Your name]

THIS PETITION WILL BE SENT TO: 

• 
  
• The U.S. Senate
• The U.S. House of Representatives
• The Governor of UT
• Rep. Rob Bishop (UT-01)
• Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT-03)
• Sen. Orrin Hatch (UT)
• Sen. Mike Lee (UT)
• Utah Congressional Delegation and Governor Herbert

Summer Support is Needed!

Dear Friend of the Wasatch,

We can’t believe that 2012 is already at its halfway point. The past six months have been some of the busiest months we can remember (and that’s saying a lot, considering we’ve been around for 40 years). One major highlight of the year so far has been working collaboratively with the US Forest Service, Congressman Matheson’s office, and interested stakeholders to address and resolve concerns that led the Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act to an impasse in 2010 and to have it reintroduced in March by Representative Jim Matheson! We couldn’t have done it without your support and we can’t thank you enough for allowing us to put our time, energy, and attention toward this important process.

HELP US REACH OUR GOAL: $208,000
Click here NOW to give a tax-deductible gift to Save Our Canyons

While the reintroduction was a huge success in and of itself, ensuring that this important piece of legislation passes is more critical now than ever, especially when proposals such as SkiLink are on the table to develop these sensitive, wilderness quality lands. Our continued efforts in this area, however, can only be made possible with your continued support. By making a tax-deductible contribution today, you can help us see this process through and make expanded Wasatch Wilderness a reality!

In addition to the work that we are doing to designate additional Wilderness in the Wasatch and our continued efforts to address other projects and proposals that threaten the scenic beauty and wildness of our canyons, mountains, and foothills, your financial support will enable us to work with numerous local entities and agencies in a collaborative and proactive manner to plan for the future of the Wasatch. As we face population growth and increased demand on the sensitive ecosystems, resources, and watersheds of our mountains, it is imperative that we look to the future and that we participate in processes to formulate new ways to balance development, transportation, recreation opportunities, and the preservation of our unique and extraordinary canyons, mountains, and foothills. By donating today, you will be supporting our participation and contribution to this effort and helping shape the future of the Wasatch!

YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT WILL HELP US:

• Participate in the Steering Committee to update the 1989 Salt Lake County Wasatch Canyons Master Plan

• Partner with Salt Lake County, its consultants, and other community organizations to conduct a series of transportation studies within Big Cottonwood Canyon, Little Cottonwood Canyon, and Mill Creek Canyon to create a more environmentally and economically sustainable transportation system in the Canyons.

• Serve on Salt Lake County’s Blue Ribbon Commission to update the Foothills, Canyons Overlay Zone, which regulates building and development in the canyons and foothills.

• Participate in the Wasatch Watershed Legacy Partnership, which is focused on enhancing protection of watershed areas in light of increasing pressures from population growth and increased recreational uses.

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* We have raised just over $60,000 this year so far. We need your help to meet our 2012 budget of $208,000 by the end of the year! Please give a tax-deductible donation today to help support Save Our Canyons and our work to protect the Wasatch!

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