Go Monument Yourself, Mr. Prez
Local officials concerned about Vermillion Basin issue
By Brian Smith, Craig Daily Press , February 24, 2010 [here]
Craig — Some local officials have been left confused and upset by a document leaked Thursday from the Bureau of Land Management, which lists the Vermillion Basin as a potential site for “special management or congressional designation.”
In response to the leaked information, the Moffat County Commission approved a letter to be sent to U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar at its Tuesday meeting. The letter, drafted by Jeff Comstock, director of the Moffat County Natural Resources Department, said the commission is “deeply discouraged” by the potential designation.
Salazar released a statement Thursday following reports stating the internal discussion “reflects some brainstorming discussions” and that “no decisions have been made about which areas, if any, might merit more serious review and consideration.”
Local officials are concerned they were not involved in any decisions regarding local land.
“What is most offensive is an executive order telling you how to manage your land,” Comstock said. “Involve your local people before you start doing a ‘top-down’ approach.”
Opponents of potential designation contend that the Antiquities Act could be used to designate the 77,000-acre area a national monument. Such a decision likely would limit public access and use of the land. … [more]