Feds act to protect 3 Utah riverways

Feds act to protect 3 Utah riverways
The Denver Post (AP)
Sunday, September 12, 2004 -

Moab, Utah - Interior Secretary Gale Norton on Saturday officially withdrew nearly 200 miles of scenic riverways along the Green, Colorado and Dolores rivers in southeastern Utah from the exploration and location of new mining claims.

The order will provide protection for 20 years of 111,895 acres of public lands along 192 miles of river corridor.

The order also helps protect at least 161 prehistoric sites, habitat for six threatened and endangered species and 32 Bureau of Land Management recreation facilities constructed along the Colorado River.

"This order is an additional layer of protection for some of the most prized recreational riverways in the West," Norton said during Saturday's ceremony at Big Bend Campground, along the Colorado River east of Moab. "This will ensure that the scenic and natural character of these special places is sustained for years to come."

Maggie Wyatt, with the Moab BLM office, said the withdrawal "will help to maintain the outstanding scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities that are vital to the local economy."
River-related tourism is one of the main drivers of the economy in southeast Utah.

The BLM said interest and economic benefits from recreational use along the three rivers has far eclipsed former uranium and placer gold mining uses.