We strongly support the Utah Wilderness Coalition Proposal for 5.7 million acres of wilderness. We are against the governor's and congressional delegation's proposal, currently under the spotlight. The governor and other representatives are trying to keep most of the people of this state out of the decision-making process by having hearings in small towns away from the majority of the population.
Because of that, a small group of county commissioners, ranchers, and special-interest individuals are set to make the choice for most of us. In this state, the support for wilderness is 75 percent in favor.Public lands are the people's land - the land of all the people of this state and this nation.
We have a proposal that will save our lands, for the benefit of all our children and future generations. First, put 10 percent of the land under wilderness protection. Then, because we live in a capitalist society and we don't believe in welfare, require all to pay their fair share for the use of the land - hunters, campers, farmers and the general public.
Make the ranchers pay $12 for every cow that goes on public land, instead of $1.90 per month. The mining industry (copper, gold, silver, even sand and rock) should pay 25 percent of the gross profits to the state. The lumber industry should pay the fair market value, not $1 per tree. They should also pay 25 percent of their gross profits to the state.
We, as taxpayers and voters, want an honest government for the people, all the people. Not only the selected few.
Ramon Jimenez
Provo
and 28 others