Pin the Wilderness on the Wasatch!

SNOWBIRD’S AMBITIOUS EXPANSION PLANS

By Save Our Canyons President, Gale Dick

** IMPORTANT UPDATE (5/11/11): Snowbird will be hosting a Master Development Plan Forum on Thursday, May 12th at 6:30pm in the Cottonwood Room at Snowbird Center. We HIGHLY encourage you to attend, participate, and ask questions.

http://www.snowbird.com/masterdevelopmentplan.html

****

Readers of our alerts have doubtless heard of Snowbird’s ambitious proposal to expand their ski terrain on the south side, the American Fork side, of the ridge, into Mineral Basin and Mary Ellen Gulch. The Forest Service has agreed to undertake a study of the environmental consequences of this proposal. We were taken aback, as we have understood that the official Forest Service Plan specifically rules out expanding ski-resort operations onto public land. The agreement to study the proposal under the provisions of the National Environmental Protection act does not imply a formal approval of the plan, as was pointed out by Forest Supervisor Brian Ferebee. But it seems that the proposal could have been rejected summarily (as we stated in a 2/25/11 letter to the Forest Supervior), and that spending the effort on an Environmental Impact Statement signals a strong leaning toward a positive outcome for Snowbird’s proposal. In the past, it has often happened that an EIS proved to be an expensive and circuitous path leading to a Forest Service decision that favors developers and is impervious to appeals according to a doctrine of “deference to the agency”, which counters objections by more or less saying that if the Forest Service says it, it must be true.

The centerpiece of Snowbird’s plan is a new tram, stretching southeastward from the terminus of the present tram on Hidden Peak to bring skiers to American Forks Twin Peak, from which they could access the terrain in Mineral Basin. Details are few and far between, but likely the terminal facility at the top of Hidden Peak would be expanded, as this has also been a long-time dream of the Snowbird folks and they have gained approval for an expansion.

The April 23 edition of the Salt Lake Tribune published an article by Bob Bonar, Snowbird’s General Manager and President. Bonar, of course, depicts his resort’s updated Master Development Plan in a very favorable light. That is his job. His article, however, raises a number of questions that are bound to trouble many friends of the Wasatch. Here are a few:

§ The article is titled “Snowbird Expansion Won’t Effect Water Quality”. First, ski area expansions outside of the SLC watershed aren’t automatically “watershed friendly”. American Fork Canyon is in Utah County’s watershed. Also, access to the newly accessible resort skiing areas will be through Little Cottonwood Canyon. More people in a canyon leads to more human impact on that watershed. Further, stating that Snowbird’s expansion won’t affect water quality is, as yet, just a hopeful assumption, not a statement of fact. It is a question that must be evaluated as rigorously as possible in the upcoming EIS.

§ The article states that Snowbird is not proposing and lifts in White Pine Canyon and that’s true enough. It goes on, however, to state that although there would be a low-capacity tram to the American Fork Twin Peaks, Snowbird would plan to limit access to White Pine Canyon. Elsewhere Bonar has said that this limit would be to an “acceptable number”. Zero is the acceptable number Save Our Canyons would like to see. Zero is also the number of lift skiers that the Forest Service found to be acceptable a decade ago when it denied the resort’s proposal for a lift called “Gad 3” that would have provided such access. Loss of backcountry terrain to resorts can’t be mitigated. It can only be prevented up front.

§ Snowbird’s proposal ignores multiple uses. Mainly other types of users compose “Utah’s Tourism Industry” than just resort patrons. These include hikers, anglers, bikers, and photographers. Resort developments affect the experiences of these other tourists. Muscle-powered backcountry skiers are continuously being marginalized by resort development while at the same time the popularity of backcountry use has exploded.

These are only a few of the impacts that require thorough study in the upcoming Environmental Impact Statement. Save Our Canyons will be following the developments of this expansion. We implore you to do the same and join us in our never ending fight to protect the wildness and beauty of the Wasatch mountains, canyons and foothills!

Stop the Coaster

Help us stop the coaster!

1) Make a sign

2) Attend the Rally against Snowbird's Mountain Coaster on Monday, March 14 at the Salt Lake County Complex (2100 South State Street) starting at 4:30pm (more info here and on facebook)

3) Sign this petition.

4) Go enjoy a coaster free Wasatch!

Guest Blog by Jeff Kiesel

My name is Jeff Kiesel. Currently, I am a student at Westminster College. One of my assignments for my Professional Writing class was to seek out a non-profit organization to work with on a writing campaign. When I heard of the assignment, I was immediately hoping to work with an organization that dealt with my interests as a skier. After looking through a list of possible organizations, Save Our Canyons jumped out at me. I had seen the bumper sticker, and had a basic understanding of what they did, but was not fully aware of their work or influence in the Salt Lake community.

Growing up, my family moved all around New England, and my love for skiing and the mountains grew with each move. Our last location before I came out to Utah had us in the White Mountain National Forest. I thoroughly enjoyed being so close to the wilderness, both for mental relief and recreation. The main issue, however, was being in the middle of nowhere, living in the woods. It took quite a haul to get out of the forest and into a town, and the closest city was almost two hours away. When looking at colleges, Salt Lake City stood out to me. Being able to live in a city, but still have quick and easy access to beautiful landscapes and amazing skiing seemed too good to be true.

When I had first moved here I took the mountains for granted, not realizing the threats that lurked around, threatening the majesty of the Wasatch Mountains. They weren’t too apparent to me; I was just excited to be skiing real mountains. The first major issue I noticed was Alta’s proposed lift up the Flagstaff area. This was around the time that I had invested in avalanche gear, classes, and a touring set up. I thought the idea of putting a lift in this area was crazy, as it (and surrounding areas) is one of the easiest backcountry skiing/snowboarding zones to access, even without a touring set up.

Hearing of this plan triggered me to investigate a bit, which is how I first learned about Save Our Canyons. I learned through Save Our Canyons website (at http://saveourcanyons.org/current_issues/projects/altas_flagstaff_mountain) that there were more reasons to oppose this lift than just the traffic it would bring from Alta, resulting in less fresh turns of “the greatest snow on earth”. The watershed, for instance, could be in jeopardy. I had a limited understanding of the watershed and had no idea that heavy traffic and a development of this nature could have negative effects on it.

Since then, I have wanted to learn more about Save Our Canyons. I had assumed they dealt with issues very similar to this, keeping ski areas from expanding into the wilderness. This project gave me the chance to learn more about S.O.C, and I have come to realize they do much more than I thought. After reviewing the latest bill, the Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act, I am excited to know there is an organization and politicians here that are so passionate about keeping these mountains beautiful, yet still allowing room for recreational activities like resort skiing. It’s amazing to be able to enjoy nature’s beauty whether I decide to ride a lift at a resort or skin into the backcountry.

In an age where technology and the expansion of cities seem to be everyone’s priorities, it’s refreshing to know that there are people who still enjoy the earth as it was created. We need to keep these natural areas, so that we can continue to enjoy them for the rest of our lives, but also so future generations can continue to take pleasure in the beauty, serenity, and fun these mountains have to offer.

A Personal Experience with SOC

Why hello there,

My name is Asher Koles and I recently wrapped up a semester long internship with SOC. I also recently graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Environmental Studies. I am a SLC native, and have grown up at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains. I could go on about how much Utah means to me, but I wanted to talk about my personal experience with SOC.

This is not my first time getting involved with SOC; in fact I was the grassroots intern in the summer of 2007. My duties changed quite drastically between then and now regarding projects and focus.

I was originally introduced to SOC through the bumper stickers that are strewn throughout Subaru's in the Salt Lake Valley. I always wondered what SOC was about, but I was too busy enjoying the mountains and the desert to care.

In 2007 I received an email from a close friend informing me about possible real world experience with a environmentally based non-profit. Low and behold it was SOC. I quickly threw together a decent looking resume, a writing sample and sent it off to the executive director (ED) at that time. Not knowing really anything about SOC, or the issues, or what I was doing, I got a call for an interview. I went into the downtown office and tried to seem as enthusiastic as possible, hoping that maybe my lack of experience and knowledge could be overlooked, and my interest, independence and dedication could shine through. After the interview was over, I decided I had no chance. The ED at the time told me that others had applied and I was the youngest candidate for hire. I thought to myself, "why would they hire a young, inexperienced, snowboard bum?"

Two weeks later I get a call from the ED and she wants me to come into the office and have a second interview. At this point I'm pretty excited, and hoping to seal the deal. I go into the office and she tells me I got the job. I was thrilled, nervous, but mostly thrilled about a new experience and working for something that actually means something to me.

The summer of 2007 was great. I was introduced to the wilderness proposal, networking with community members and tabling. I developed new relationships with members and non-members throughout the valley, who cared about the Wasatch Mountains enough to support SOC. It opened my eyes to the down to earth, grassroots battle that organizations, communities and individuals are fighting to keep the Wasatch Mountains wild.

I always knew I loved the natural world, but I never knew the specific threats to its sustainability. SOC and its members opened my eyes to a new world of activism and organizations dedicated to preserving the health and wildness of places throughout Utah and the world.

After the internship ended in August of 2007, I declared my major: Environmental Studies. It was the closest thing possible to my interests at the time, and seemed to be the right fit for my new outlook on life. I kept in touch with the SOC staff, and volunteered at several events, while enjoying the Wasatch Mountains that much more.

As school was nearing its end I knew an internship was required to graduate. I decided that I would ask Carl and Havilah if I could once again come back and work under their wing. They agreed and a new process begun.

The internship started out with a few tabling opportunities, which are actually quite fun, and can be very beneficial for SOC, interested locals and students. As the semester went on, Carl, Havilah and I began to talk about reorganizing the media side of SOC. We decided on a couple different projects that I could do some research for and get the ball rolling on. How could we get SOC’s message and relay updates more efficiently to our members and concerned local’s? One way is through the integration of Google Earth within the SOC website, and the other is how to efficiently portray SOC’s issues and updates on everything from events, to the politics surrounding HR5009.

As the internship progressed, Carl and I ended up mapping out the wilderness boundaries in Google Earth. Hopefully soon we will have an interactive, up close and personal view of the boundaries proposed in HR5009, and some testimonials from local recreationists on their favorite trails. All of this digital media work is an attempt at engaging our audience and informing the public on what is happening in their backyard.

The semester is over, I have graduated from the University, and SOC is on the road to a comprehensive information system that will keep people in the loop. I am continuing work with SOC on the Google Earth project and anything else they need help with.

SOC has been a great way to channel my energy and guide my focus. The in office work and the work I have done independently has shown me that all it takes is an initial idea. My advice to anyone who is interested in activism and fighting for what they believe in is to volunteer, and get to know the agency and the issues. I still have a lot to learn, but I know that SOC has struck a wild hair within me, and this is not the end of my environmental activism.

Snow and Snowshoeing in the Wasatch.

I had the chance to get out and do some snowshoeing at the end of last week. Well, a lot of snowshoeing, actually. I went out Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. What can I say? As soon as I discovered snowshoeing as a form of winter recreation, I was hooked and as soon as the first snow of this season fell, I was out playing in it. Believe it or not, last year was the first time I'd ever even been on a pair of snowshoes. Now, I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do! I've already started a list of all the trails I plan to snowshoe this season.

I spent Thursday and Sunday on the Days Fork trail, accessed through The Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Here are some photos taken of the Day's Fork area where I spent most of my time. Enjoy!

To the Wasatch, I am thankful.

As I was driving into work this morning, I passed by an apartment complex that was built about a year ago and for some reason, I thought, "What was there before?" I remember there was something in that space before, but what was it? When they began construction on the new complex, when they first cleared that space (and whatever was previously on it), I remember passing by it thinking "Oh they've torn down the - - - (???). I wonder what they're going to build there?" I drove by every now and again during the construction of the new building. Each week it got bigger and bigger and taller and taller (much bigger than the original building that was on that lot before) and I remember thinking, "Whatever it is they're building, it's huge!" At that time, I was comparing the new structure to the old one that I was use to seeing in that space and it seemed like such a gigantic building was going into a spot where once there was just a small home or office, library? Bookstore? Day care? Laundromat?  WHAT WAS THERE BEFORE?!? I have no idea. I still don't know. Anyway, I drove by one day and realized they were putting in  an apartment complex and over time, after driving by it regularly, it no longer seemed as out of place as it did before. It didn't seem so intrusive or big or, well, ugly. I just accepted it and accepted that it "belonged" there. Once I did that, I just forgot what was ever there in the first place.

So, what is the point to all of this? Well, it made me think about development. The city is always changing and it seems that there's always something old being replaced by something new (believe me, I know all too well how this works, seeing as the Save Our Canyons office is right in the middle of the new City Creek project in downtown Salt Lake). It made me think about development in a broader sense too though and because of my work, I began to think of it in terms of the Wasatch. Overall, I thought, I don't ever want to look at our foothills, canyons, or mountains, and have to think or remember "What was there before?" (I'm already going to have to explain to future generations what the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon looked like before the Tavaci development. Jen just posted a blog about this, actually, if you're interested in reading where that issue currently stands).

I want to be able to always look to the east of the Salt Lake Valley and see those spaces as they are today. I want my children (who don't currently exist, but might someday), to see the same and their children too. I don't ever want to have to try to remember what wilderness looked like or imagine what our beautiful Wasatch once was before it was paved over and developed. Replacing an old building with a new one, inside a city, is one thing. Losing wilderness is an entirely different story. In reading an article written by Collin Daugherty on oil development within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, I came across the following paragraph, which holds just as true for the Wasatch as it does for any other wilderness:

"We may be able to split the atom, go to the moon, develop immunizations, and build metal structures that stretch into the sky but our ingenuity is helpless when it comes to producing wilderness. Wilderness cannot be created; once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. Second chances don’t exist when dealing with such fragile environments virgin to exploitative practices which irreparably compromise an environment’s serenity first and foremost. No invention of our civilization will ever change that. It’s that which we cannot create, therefore, which should be given the deepest consideration before making decisions which threaten the serenity of the Earth’s few remaining wildernesses."

The Wasatch Mountains as they exist today are priceless. They provide solitude, escape, beauty, a multitude of recreation opportunities, clean, pure water, and an abundance of plant and wildlife. All of the natural elements contained within are absolutely essential to the quality of life that I enjoy as a Salt Lake Valley resident. I can't count the number of times I have been in those canyons, stood completely still, listened to the sound of nature (or the sound of nothing at all), taken a deep breath, and felt a pure sense of gratitude and awe for the peace and quiet and beauty. I could go on and on, but the point of this is that I am so thankful for everything the Wasatch has to offer. I hope you are too.

A moose in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Photo taken November 2010 by Havilah, Director of Operations for Save Our Canyons