Parleys Canyon - Nearby and a Natural Resource for us
Hello Constituents,
I believe part of my job as your council representative is to keep you in the know on important things going on in our district, our city and our county.
This informative communication from Save Our Canyons regarding the potential licensing by the Utah State Division of Oil/Gas/Mining for an extractive company to begin what they’ve expressed as a massive plan for turning the mountain range on south side of Parleys Canyon into a mining operation.
“Next week, on April 5th, there is an important public hearing at the Salt Lake County Council to make mineral extraction, mining and gravel pits a prohibited use in our Wasatch Mountains. As an organization who has worked on issues in the Wasatch now for 50 years, we have to say it is about time!
With so many issues confronting our land, air and water in Salt Lake County, these changes will help protect our mountains, foothills and canyons, our air and the water that flow from and around them, for current and future generations from the devastating impacts of mining and gravel operations. While we are concerned the county isn't being comprehensive enough in its listing of prohibited uses — it is good they are starting somewhere.
There are two ways you can help protect the Wasatch Mountains from being defaced and destroyed by this proposed mining operation:
Attend the Salt Lake County Council Meeting April 5th (Tuesday) at 4PM. This meeting will be held both in person and virtually.
Person Meeting: Salt Lake County Bldg. 2001 South State Street (rm. N1-110) MAP
Virtual Meeting: Follow Salt Lake County Council meeting link HERE. An audio live-stream of the Council and Committee of the Whole meetings will also be available. When a meeting begins, there will be an "In Progress" link that opens up the live-stream.
On December 10, 2021, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously initiated an ordinance change to two important zones that govern land use in the Wasatch Mountains of Salt Lake County - the Forest Recreation Zone (FR) and the Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone (FCOZ). As long time members and supporters of Save Our Canyons know, we need policies that protect the Wasatch and while these changes are not as exhaustive as we'd hope, they are needed.
In February, Salt Lake County held two public hearings before the Salt Lake County Planning Commissions and Mountainous Planning Commission, where 100% of the public comment was in support of the proposed changes to the ordinances.
Even if you have commented before to Planning Commissions or State Leaders (known to ignore their constituents) this is a great opportunity to engage with your elected officials in Salt Lake County. Show them you want a more responsive and receptive outcome than we see at the State.
On April 5th (Tuesday) at 4PM plan on attending the Salt Lake County Council Meeting in person or virtually. The Wasatch and our community so reliant on a healthy environment are reliant upon your action.
Help Us Protect The Wasatch,
Carl Fisher
Executive Director
Save Our Canyons
