– by Amy Brunvand
Moab leasing plan
The Utah Bureau of Land Management draft Moab Master Leasing Plan is open for public comment. This plan covers areas near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, the places that led Tim DeChristopher to his act of civil disobedience protesting inappropriate leasing in 2008. The Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) sued to block oil and gas leases in this treasured landscape, and the new plan appears to be a step forward to keep energy development away from sensitive lands and popular recreational areas. However, SUWA says that unless BLM gets significant public pressure, places like Labyrinth Canyon and Indian Creek would still be open for leasing. Public comments are due by Thursday, November 19.
Moab Master Leasing Plan (MLP): blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/moab/MLP/deis.html
Moab MLP Open House: October 6, SLC Public Library, 210 East 400 South 4-7pm
Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance: suwa.org
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