I congratulate Pat Bagley for so effectively illustrating our congressional delegation's shortsightedness in opposing efforts to preserve large tracts of Utah as federally designated wilderness. Of course, his cartoon's title "America's Worst Idea" (Opinion, Sept. 29) alludes to the new Ken Burns PBS series, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

One of the documentary's segments recounted how many of Arizona's politicians were upset with President Theodore Roosevelt's efforts to protect the Grand Canyon from development. They were outraged that an Easterner was making decisions about land in the West. This is one of Rep. Rob Bishop's refrains. The documentary pointed out that there are likely no Arizonans today who are upset that the Grand Canyon has been protected and is indeed one of the jewels in our national park system.

We should all encourage our political leaders to be committed to preserving our stunning landscapes and wildlife for future generations. Our descendants (and theirs) will appreciate their vision.

Sam Zeveloff

Ogden