Economic Issues

IN WASATCH COUNTY The Federal Government is proposing to replace approximately 20 miles of existing natural dirt canals with a concrete ditch or a pipe. This project has the potential to have a devastating effect by isolating water and travel for several thousand acres of winter habitat for deer and elk. It also proposes to remove certain of sections of fishing and sensitive riparian habitat. There is currently a period in which the public can express their concerns to have an impact on the pending environmental assessment. They are soliciting comments on an environmental assessment on or before 6/20/13. ***DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JULY 12th, 2013***

Comments should include:
*This stretch of the Wasatch Canal is prime riparian habitat. *This will remove this section of stream for fishing and riparian habitat.
*Fishing and hiking opportunities for over a mile will be lost. *There should be more study done about escape ramps and bridges for wildlife along the 20 mile stretch of this proposed project.
*The most northern reach of the Wasatch Canal located from SR 32 to the Provo River diversion poses no health or safety risk. *Not only are adjacent property values negatively affected, but it diminishes the visual appeal and as a result, real estate values will diminish throughout entire valley.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Economic Issues

Just a few short years ago many farmers and landowners sold property under the threat of eminent domain for a blue ribbon fishery on the Provo River and its tributaries. That property was acquired for riparian habitat and fishing access of this natural existing fishery. Part of the $25 million dollars spent for that project included approximately 3/4 mile of property adjacent to this stream. The government now proposes to abandon this idea of habitat and eliminate the fishing and recreation opportunities in lieu of efficiency.