Redrock Report
July 2009

Find out what's happening this month with the redrock:
1.  Unitarian Universalists take a big step in support of Utah wilderness.
2.  Read about SUWA's recent litigation.
3.  Join us for the 2009 SUWA Roundup!
4.  It's not too late to join in on Wild Utah Local Action Month!
5.  New redrock bill cosponsors include Delaware Senator Ted Kaufman.


Unitarian Universalists Pass Resolution Calling for Protection of Utah’s Wildlands!

In an extraordinary act of faith-based environmental activism, the 2009 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalists passed a resolution on June 28th calling for the protection of Utah’s wild lands.  Passage of the resolution, called an “Action of Immediate Witness,” means that more than 1000 Unitarian Universalist congregations are urged to express support for passage of America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act.  The resolution also calls on Unitarians to urge the Bureau of Land Management to prevent damage to Utah’s wild lands from off-road vehicle abuse and road, energy and mineral development.

This exciting and cutting-edge action was spearheaded by Joan Gregory, Coordinator of Environmental Ministry at First Unitarian Church of Salt Lake City, who worked tirelessly to organize the effort.  A devoted team of volunteers from Unitarian communities around the country also enthusiastically devoted their time, energy and passion to educate the more than 3,000 General Assembly attendees about the spiritual and environmental importance of Utah’s wild lands.

The Action of Immediate Witness was grounded in the Seventh Principle of Unitarian Universalism: “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.”  SUWA applauds and thanks Unitarian Universalists for putting their beliefs into action in such a forward-looking and powerful way.   We are excited about working with Unitarian congregations around the country as they implement the Action of Immediate Witness and urge protection of Utah’s precious wild landscapes.

 

Utah Withdraws Energy Leasing in Nine Mile Canyon 

In a victory for Nine Mile Canyon and its irreplaceable archaeological resources, the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration (SITLA)—a part of Utah state government— recently announced that it has withdrawn two lease parcels for oil and gas development located in the Canyon and an additional lease parcel just west of Upper Desolation Canyon.  Nine Mile Canyon is often called the World's Longest Art Gallery because it contains the nation’s densest collection of prehistoric rock art sites, including over 10,000 Native American rock art images.   In 2004, the National Trust for Historic Preservation included Nine Mile Canyon on the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places because it is being damaged, perhaps permanently, by oil and gas drilling-related truck traffic in the canyon.

SUWA, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition challenged SITLA’s decision to offer these three parcels for lease pointing out that, among other things, that the agency had not fully considered the impacts of leasing and development on cultural resources.  On June 29, 2009, SITLA announced that it had withdrawn the leases and has since told SUWA that it is going to re-examine and potentially re-write the rules for how it manages these irreplaceable resources.  We’re looking forward to working with SITLA in the coming year to ensure that it will manage Utah’s cultural and archaeological resources with the respect and appreciation they deserve.

For more updates on SUWA's recent litigation, click on the links below:
SUWA Win Forces BLM to Consult With Tribes, Obey Cultural Protection Law
Coal-Friendly Bush Energy Corridor Plan Challenged
Federal Appeals Board Upholds Bush-Era BLM Lease Sale

 

Join Us for the Annual SUWA Roundup!

Roundup Hikers
Hikers at the 2008 SUWA Roundup (photo copyright Diane Kelly/SUWA)

Mark your calendar for SUWA’s 2009 membership gathering at Hidden Splendor, September 18-20.  Last year's attendees enjoyed perfect fall hiking weather and we're hoping for more of the same this year. 

Held in the heart of the San Rafael Swell, the SUWA Roundup offers our members and SUWA staff the opportunity to meet one another and to enjoy the beautiful Indian summer of redrock country with fellow desert rats from Utah and other states.  Activities include a discussion of Utah wilderness issues with SUWA staff and board members, a potluck dinner, evening music around the campfire, and—best of all—guided day-hikes in our Muddy Creek proposed wilderness area.  Sunday morning you’ll awake to freshly brewed coffee followed by a deluxe continental breakfast the SUWA staff will prepare in thanks for all your support and dedication.

For more information or to RSVP, contact Deeda Seed at (801) 428-3971 or deeda@suwa.org.

 

Get Involved by Participating in Wild Utah Local Action Month!

This summer, encourage your Senators and/or Representative to support Utah wilderness by participating in Wild Utah Local Action Month!  From August 3 to September 4, members of your congressional delegation will be working in their local districts instead of their usual offices in Washington, DC.  This is a great opportunity to meet with your members of Congress and ask that they cosponsor America's Red Rock Wilderness Act (or thank them for their support).  Local meetings are especially effective because they show members of Congress that their constituents care enough about this issue to request a meeting.

The SUWA grassroots staff is ready, willing, and able to answer any questions you may have and assist you in setting up a meeting, helping you contact other Utah wilderness supporters in your area, and providing you with the necessary information.

To participate or to get more information, please fill out this form or contact SUWA's National Grassroots Organizer, Jackie Feinberg, at jackie@suwa.org.

 

 *New Cosponsor Spotlight*

Senator Kaufman
Senator Ted Kaufman
(D-DE) recently became the first ever red rock bill
cosponsor from the state
of Delaware!

 Just about every week, we continue to add more cosponsors to America's Red Rock Wilderness Act.  Those recently signing onto to the bill are Senator Ted Kaufman (D-DE) and Representatives Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Vern Ehlers (R-MI), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Michael Michaud (D-ME), Brian Higgins (D-NY), and John Larson (D-CT).  If you live in Delaware or any of the above districts, please thank your Senator or Representative!

For a full list of cosponsors, click here.  If your members of Congress are not on the list of cosponsors, please ask them to sign onto the bill by clicking here!