I would like to clear up some misconceptions about the Logan River being designated Wild and Scenic.
Wild and Scenic designation offers three levels of protection: wild, scenic and recreational, which correspond to existing development and the outstandingly remarkable values of the river. We are asking that the Logan be designated "Scenic" to leave a true legacy for our families and our future.Wild and Scenic designation will not close access to sportsmen but will protect our camping, fishing and hunting traditions.
The Logan River supports naturally reproducing (something unique in a Western river) populations of native Bonneville cutthroat and mountain whitefish and also introduced brown trout. The Bonneville cutthroat is a Forest Service sensitive species and is found in Spawn Creek, Twin Creek, Beaver Creek and other Logan tributaries, according to the Draft Conservation Agreement and Strategy for Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, 1996.
It provides a blanket protection against federally licensed dams and diversions.
It will actually increase the market value of surrounding private property.
It will maintain the conditions existing at the time of designation, including Cache Valley lifestyles and land uses within the river corridor.
It will not stop highway improvements. However, the Utah Department of Transportation will have to respect Logan River's outstandingly remarkable values and will not be allowed to change the river's character. After UDOT "improved" the lower canyon highway, the late USU fisheries biologist, William Helm, performed a series of studies that showed a 60 percent to 87 percent reduction in numbers of trout along the riverbanks that were disturbed by construction. This can't happen with the designation.
It has little, if any, impact on existing land uses; instead, the goal is to preserve the character of a river. Change is expected to happen. Development not damaging to the outstanding resources of a designated river, or curtailing its free flow, are allowed. The bottom line is that the Wild and Scenic Rivers System is not something to be feared by landowners, water users or sportsmen.
The Bridgerland Audubon Society states that, "It would be an honor to have the Logan River designated as the first 'Wild and Scenic River' in Utah. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain in such a designation."
Dan Miller
president, Logan Canyon Coalition