The dedication today of the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab, Utah, is an important step in preserving natural habitat of the area.
The Nature Conservancy, a private, nonprofit group involved in preserving natural habitat throughout the world, announced purchase earlier this year of 690 acres of the wetlands within a half mile of downtown Moab.Known as the Moab Slough and likely the only high-quality wetland complex in all of southeastern Utah, the area has appropriately been named in honor of the late Utah governor, a strong supporter of the conservancy and known for his balanced, rational approach to conservation.
Even the vast shoreline of Lake Powell, with its constantly fluctuating water level, sustains no permanent or high-quality wetland habitat. Wetlands generally are rich in the number and variety of animal and bird species they attract. These particular Utah wetlands are believed to host more than 150 bird species, including endangered peregrine falcons and bald eagles. The area also is a critical staging area for the endangered Colorado squawfish and dozens of species of raptors, songbirds, waterfowl and shorebirds.
The purchase of the wetlands was facilitated through a combination grant and interest-free loan of $450,000 from the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation. It is said to be the largest philanthropic gift in the history of conservation in Utah.
The conservancy and the foundation are to be congratulated - and thanked. Loss of the habitat would be a major blow to the thousands of resident and migrant birds and animals that have come to depend on the wetlands as their only oasis in this arid region. The new Moab preserve helps make Utah a better place to live for people as well as wildlife.