Utah Dems call for greater Canyonlands protections

By The AP
Wednesday, February 6, 2013

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Democrats are calling on federal officials to protect the greater Canyonlands region for outdoor recreation.

The resolution drafted for action by the Utah Legislature stops short of endorsing a national monument, however.

More than 100 outdoor-recreation companies in November formally petitioned President Barack Obama to designate a monument surrounding Canyonlands National Park near Moab.

Utah Democrats say they want to take a collaborative approach on protecting the region without presidential action.

Newly elected Sen. Jim Dabakis is sponsoring the resolution. It calls on the federal government to keep undeveloped the larger region of canyons, mesa tops and other landmarks in southern Utah.