MOUNTAIN ACCORD PUBLIC FORUMS

MOUNTAIN ACCORD PUBLIC FORUMS If you recreate in the central Wasatch, drink water from this watershed, have moved here to be close to these mountains, grew up here, make your living from the tourists who come here because of these mountains, or care the least about the Wasatch, you have an invested interest in Mountain Accord. It's time you get involved because the future of the central Wasatch as you know it is about to change.

What would a federal land designation such as wilderness mean for fixed anchors? How would a train alignment in Little Cottonwood Canyon impact climbing - especially in lower part of the canyon? If a mass transit system is put in place in the central Wasatch, how will this change the inherent nature of the canyons? What are your thoughts on how to plan for a doubling of the population? How will all these people move around and recreate within the canyons? These are all questions you should be asking yourself as you look at and comment on the recently released Mountain Accord Proposed Blueprint.

For the past year, the SLCA has been a stakeholder at the table for Mountain Accord representing climbers interests and we will be submitting comments. The more unique comments that are submitted, the bigger the voice we will have for conservation and recreation.

The SLCA would like to hear your thoughts and concerns as we formulate our response. Please send them not only to the SLCA (julia@saltlakeclimbers.org) but also to Mountain Accord. They need to hear from you!! You have until March 16th to send in your comments.

The upcoming public meetings are a great way to learn what is going on and to ask questions before submitting your comments (due March 16th).

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS Salt Lake Q&A February 11, 2015, 6 – 7:30 p.m. Cottonwood High School

Park City Q&A and Open House February 24, 2015, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Eccles Center for the Performing Arts

Salt Lake Open House February 25, 2015, 6 – 8:30 p.m. Skyline High School

Mountain Accord is a multi-phase initiative that seeks to make critical decisions regarding the future of the central Wasatch Mountains. It will holistically evaluate and address issues and goals centered on four topic areas: environment, recreation, transportation, and economy. Mountain Accord is a collaboration between public and private interests, including state and local governments, federal agencies, and business and grassroots organizations. Public involvement is absolutely critical to this effort, and the input received from the public (from you!) will be used to inform and guide the process.