Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act introduced by Rep. Matheson

Photo Credit: Howie Garber, Wanderlust Images

Save Our Canyons reported a huge success this week; the introduction of the Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act into the House of Representatives by Congressman Matheson (D-UT).

The Conservation Alliance has twice funded Save Our Canyons' Wasatch Wilderness Campaign and the introduction of this bill is reason to celebrate.  While it is just one step in the process toward federal legislation that would expand wilderness and enhance watershed protection for more than 26,000 acres of Wasatch Front canyons, it is an important step.

"The Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act not only protects some of the most treasured landscapes in the central Wasatch, it is a symbol that despite our differences, communities, local governments, the federal government, and industry can come together to do incredible things for the places we love and future generations," said Carl Fisher, executive director, Save Our Canyons.

The Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act introduced by Mathenson will create new and additional wilderness areas on Grandeur Peak, Mt. Olympus, Twin Peaks, and Lone Peak; sets aside more than 10,000 acres within "special management areas" to strengthen watershed protection while continuing permitted use by helicopter skiing; and resolves a conflict between backcountry skiers and Snowbird ski resort's proposed expansion into White Pine Canyon. It also provides access to maintain private water supplies and allows for avalanche control to ensure public safety.

To learn more about Save Our Canyons and the Wasatch Wilderness and Watershed Protection Act, click here

 To send a note to Representative Matheson thanking him for his efforts, click here.