[grendel]

Juiceman, on Sep 29 2009, 10:43 AM, said:

:garvin:

dear grendel


she doesn't need our attention. she needs a kick in the twot.

I volunteer for that duty... I'll wear my snowshoes, so I don't get sucked in.

[mudrunner2645]

bump, lets keep this going

[angel]

mudrunner2645, on Sep 29 2009, 11:06 AM, said:

Juiceman, on Sep 29 2009, 10:43 AM, said:

:garvin:

dear grendel


she doesn't need our attention. she needs a kick in the twot.

that would get her attenion!! :unsure:

Only if it was initiated by another woman.

[mudrunner2645]

update

QUOTE
Washington » Everyone who participated in a congressional hearing Thursday on a bill granting wilderness status to massive areas of Utah agreed the state has spectacular lands that deserve protection.
But passionate disagreements emerged over how to accomplish that.
Utah's five federal lawmakers appeared at the House subcommittee hearing to denounce the Red Rock bill, a statewide effort 20 years in the making that would protect 9.4 million acres from new roads, mining or off-road vehicles.
"There are beautiful pristine areas of Utah that need to be protected, but this bill goes far far beyond that," said Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, the ranking Republican member of the public lands subcommittee. "This particular bill is a relic of the past. It has not been successful since the age of disco and it will not be successful now or in the future."
Utah's congressional delegation favors smaller county-level bills where local politicians, business leaders and environmentalists agree on what lands deserve the government's highest level of protection, such as the Washington County lands bill that designated more than 250,000 acres of new wilderness earlier this year.
But the supporters of the Red Rock act, led by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, say a statewide bill is needed to head off the ongoing damage done by off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
Robert Abbey, the director of the Bureau of
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Land Management, sided with Utah's lawmakers, saying he preferred "an approach that is more geographically focused" instead of a statewide wilderness bill.
In his written testimony, Abbey said: "Many of these lands are extraordinary, with unmatched wild land resources." Yet he also pointed out that the Red Rock proposal would "present serious challenges because of existing and conflicting uses," including active mining and biking trails and OHV trails.
The Red Rock act's sponsor, Rep. Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., said he was open to all alternative ways to protect these lands, which include the San Rafael Swell and Desolation Canyon, but he thought "a small piecemeal strategy" would take decades to accomplish.
Utah's lawmakers made it clear they didn't appreciate so many politicians from other states pushing a bill impacting lands only within Utah.
"To those colleagues who have put their names on this proposal I say: Thanks, but no thanks. I think as a congressional delegation we have proven we can handle the question of wilderness in Utah," Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said.
Hinchey said the bill was not only supported by people outside Utah. The Red Rock act has been created by Utah environmental activists and a recent poll commissioned by SUWA and conducted by Dan Jones, shows that 60 percent of the Utah public supports wilderness designation of 9 million acres or more.
He said the BLM has already found that 75 percent of the lands included in the Red Rock act have wilderness characteristics and the proposal impacts "just 40 percent of the public lands in Utah."
Utah's lone Democrat in Congress, Rep. Jim Matheson, said he opposes the Red Rock act because it fails to take into consideration the views of those outside of the environmental community. He urged the bill's supporters to follow the "bipartisan road map for future legislative success," that is the Washington County lands bill.
Sen. Bob Bennett said this road map is poised to create consensus wilderness legislation in other areas of the state as working groups in counties such as Piute and San Juan are actively seeking a compromise.
And Bennett brushed aside complaints that these regional bills would take too long.
"They have been trying the statewide approach for 20 years and haven't produced a single acre of wilderness," he said.
Bishop also criticized the bill for not including detailed maps and for taking in areas that don't qualify for wilderness because they are currently being used for mining or recreation.
SUWA members and other supporters of the bill say they have a series of technical changes ready to go and they would like to discuss other ways to improve the bill. They are seeking serious discussion with Utah's lawmakers, saying they want to move forward on two tracks -- the Red Rock bill and the county-level proposals.
But Utah's lawmakers didn't seem interested in the slightest.
"A statewide wilderness bill," Bennett said, "simply will not fly in the United States Senate.


Reduced: 85% of original size [ 600 x 776 ] - Click to view full image

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_13461786

[dollarfab]

Thanks for the update Jeff!!

[angel]

The following is a response I received the other day when I e-mailed Del Albright at Blue Ribbon Coalition to see how they are involved in the battle to Save Moab...

Quote

Tammy, here is a note from Greg Mumm, Executive Director, BlueRibbon concerning Moab:

This is an ongoing issue in Utah and BRC’s involvement in keeping Moab open is extensive. As we explained in our UTAH action alert from Brian, our Public Lands Policy Director at BRC, the focus is/has been to make certain that Senators and Representatives were going to oppose this bill. To that end, it is interesting to note that representatives from Utah were not informed in advance of SUWA’s announcement. Not a good foot for SUWA to get started on, especially when most folks in Utah don’t support this. Through Brian’s efforts, BRC has been in contact with staff of the sub-committee and representatives from Utah on this.

This has all been good because the witness list is now out for the hearing and it shows Senators Bennett and Hatch from Utah who will be opposed and Representative Matheson who we expect will bring up/push that this should be dealt with at the county level. Note that some think that SUWA was deliberate in their actions to push for the hearing with the intent to usurp planning that Emery County is working toward on a land use bill for fear the county bill would be more “in tune” with recent BLM plans.

Brian has also been working with other groups like the AMA on alerts and actions. Following that vein, BRC is also working with the other national groups and all will be submitting a joint letter today in opposition to the sub-committee.

Since in situations like this, the real game of play is at the County level, Brian has been working with folks to make sure that avenue of defense is followed through.

BRC will be following this sub-committee hearing closely with more to come and once we have reviewed the testimony. Keep watching, we will have another action alert likely following the hearing after we have reviewed.

Note also that BRC is again actively involved in working to protect Moab on legal actions that SUWA brought out against the recent BLM plans in the area which you can read about on the website starting here: http://www.sharetrai...edia/?story=640

On another note, we encourage anyone to get signed up to receive all of the alerts we send out directly…

Greg

Another response one of the DWE member's received:

Quote

Re: Save Moab - Reply from Ms Tsongas.

Here is a reply from Rep Tsongas, she is co-sponsoring the bill - please let her
know that even us New Englanders would like the opportunity to ride our Jeeps in the deserts of Utah. Talk
about how you are planning to drive the 2300 miles to Moab to enjoy the unique
off-roading opportunity.

"Dear Timothy:

Thank you for contacting my office regarding protecting the red rock region of
Utah. I appreciate your views and having the benefit of your opinion.

H.R. 1925, the America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2009, introduced by
Representative Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), would ensure that 9.4 million acres of
wilderness in southern Utah remain protected in their natural state, and would
strictly prohibit mining, road and damn construction, off-road vehicle use, and
other activities that would destroy the area's unique character. Many other
recreational uses such as hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, hiking, and
horseback riding would continue to be permitted.

Currently, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) owns the 9.4 million acres,
but the agency is not prohibited from selling part of the land for development
or developing parts itself. This bill is currently being considered by the
Committee on Natural Resources, on which I serve. I am a proud co-sponsor of
this legislation and look forward to it moving forward during the 111th
Congress.

Utah's Red Rocks are world-renowned for their spectacular beauty and this area
has been visited and appreciated by millions of visitors. I am deeply committed
to conservation and preservation and understand the importance of protecting our
natural wilderness. I appreciate hearing from you and share your interest in
preserving this important natural wonder.

Please do not hesitate to contact my office in the future with questions or
concerns. If you would like to see what I've been doing in Washington DC, or to
get my views on a certain issue, please visit my website at
http://tsongas.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Niki Tsongas
Member of Congress"

[mudrunner2645]

thanks tammy, i'll pass this along.

why does it seem to be the eastern reps who have nothing to do with Utah are the only ones supporting this? :D

[angel]

Quote

Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. I truly appreciate hearing from you, and I am working hard to stand up for New Hampshire's interests in Congress.

I understand your concern about this bill restricting access to lands in Utah from motorized vehicle use. America's Red Rock Wilderness Act would designate certain undeveloped areas of land in the State of Utah under the National Wilderness Preservation System. While protecting our environment is critical to our public health and to future generations, restricting land use must not unnecessarily prevent Americans from responsible recreation and enjoying the great outdoors.

H.R. 1925 has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Although I am not a member of this committee, please know that I will keep your views in mind should this legislation come to the House floor for a vote.

I encourage you to continue to contact me about the issues that are important to you. Please feel free to visit my website at www.hodes.house.gov where you can share your ideas with me, learn about the services I can provide to you, and sign up for my periodic e-mail updates on what I am doing to help New Hampshire.

Sincerely,

Paul Hodes

Member of Congress

[grendel]

angel, on Oct 16 2009, 08:51 PM, said:

Quote

Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. I truly appreciate hearing from you, and I am working hard to stand up for New Hampshire's interests in Congress.

I understand your concern about this bill restricting access to lands in Utah from motorized vehicle use. America's Red Rock Wilderness Act would designate certain undeveloped areas of land in the State of Utah under the National Wilderness Preservation System. While protecting our environment is critical to our public health and to future generations, restricting land use must not unnecessarily prevent Americans from responsible recreation and enjoying the great outdoors.

H.R. 1925 has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Although I am not a member of this committee, please know that I will keep your views in mind should this legislation come to the House floor for a vote.

I encourage you to continue to contact me about the issues that are important to you. Please feel free to visit my website at www.hodes.house.gov where you can share your ideas with me, learn about the services I can provide to you, and sign up for my periodic e-mail updates on what I am doing to help New Hampshire.

Sincerely,

Paul Hodes

Member of Congress

Yah, you know his idea of responsible recreation that he thinks is a reasonable restriction?

I don't. He won't share it. I asked him directly.

[angel]

I just thought it was interesting he, or whoever composed the letter, included that sentence. I'm certainly not naive enough to think it means anything of substance.

[grendel]

angel, on Oct 16 2009, 10:45 PM, said:

I just thought it was interesting he, or whoever composed the letter, included that sentence. I'm certainly not naive enough to think it means anything of substance.

I wasn't implying that at all.

Just that he's a snake. I asked him directly, after I received that response.

[angel]

grendel, on Oct 16 2009, 11:00 PM, said:

angel, on Oct 16 2009, 10:45 PM, said:

I just thought it was interesting he, or whoever composed the letter, included that sentence. I'm certainly not naive enough to think it means anything of substance.

I wasn't implying that at all.

Just that he's a snake. I asked him directly, after I received that response.

They're all snakes... :darek2:

[woolu]

remember this when its time to vote!!

[Wagz]

mudrunner2645, on Oct 4 2009, 04:47 AM, said:

thanks tammy, i'll pass this along.

why does it seem to be the eastern reps who have nothing to do with Utah are the only ones supporting this? :wha:

:lol:

[makizoo]

Stupid Fawkers. Just don't listen

This is from my exchange back in October on the same issue:





Dear Congressman Olver,

Yes, I am aware that you are a cosponsor of this bill, which in part, is why I took the time to write to you in the first place to voice my concerns. It is quite OBVIOUS that you did not extend the same courtesy and actually read my letter to you, and just replied with a form letter.

I can say without a doubt that you are NOT representing my own, my family's, or my friend's interests based on your reply.
This proposed bill is as misleading as your canned response. It not only blocks oil and gas leases but also blocks motorized recreation from these lands and prevents our citizens from the right to utilize OUR lands.

Specifically, H.R. 1925 would designate more than nine million more acres as federally protected "Wilderness," and directly affect the Moab, San Rafael Swell and Chimney Rock areas (to name a few) in Utah.

These popular OHV areas represent some of the most important remaining OHV recreation areas in Utah, and are some of the most popular with responsible OHV riders. The proposed Wilderness designation would also make the land off limits to ATV riders, mountain bikers and horseback riders.

Coming on the heels of the recently enacted Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which closed 2 million acres of public lands, this vast Wilderness bill will take away additional recreation opportunities currently enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike. Do you not find it ironic that not a single Representative from Utah is supporting H.R.1925?
Sincerely,

makizoo

_________________________________________________________

From: Congressman John W. Olver [mailto:cresponder@housemail.house.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 5:24 PM
To: makizoo
Subject: Message from Congressman John Olver



October 14, 2009

Mr. Makizoo

Dear Sean:

Thank you for contacting me with your support of H.R. 1925, America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of this legislation.

As you may know, H.R. 1925 would designate approximately 9 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System and permanently protect against leasing of additional land by the Department of Interior for oil and gas drilling.

On November 4, 2008, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that they would auction oil and gas leases for 360,000 acres of public land in Utah’s Colorado Plateau, including lands that would be protected under H.R. 1925. Many of the units proposed for leasing were adjacent to National Parks and Monuments and over half of the lands to be leased were being considered by Congress for wilderness designation.

You will be pleased to know that on December 22, 2008, I joined 57 of my colleagues in a letter urging President-Elect Barack Obama’s Interior Transition Team to cancel the inappropriate sale of oil and gas leases. On February 4, 2009, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar withdrew the leases of 77 oil and gas parcels, accounting for 130,000 acres of public land.

On February 5, 2009, I joined 74 of my colleagues in a letter to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack calling on the administration to defer any future lease sales involving tracts of land under consideration for wilderness designation or other protection by Congress.

Please be assured that I will continue to fight to protect our environment and public lands. Should H.R. 1925 come before the House of Representatives for a vote, it will receive my full support.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact me in the future with any further questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

John W. Olver
Member of Congress

JWO/sc

Confirmation# 1343403

This post has been edited by makizoo: 27 January 2010 - 08:03 PM