This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Noel's conspiracy theory is insulting — Salt Lake Tribune Editorial

"Debates over public policy, especially matters as important as how to manage millions of acres of federal land in Utah, ought to pivot on the strength of each competing position. A good idea is a good idea, and a bad one is a stinker, no matter who thought it up or where their money comes from.

"Thus it would be wrong to distract from such important questions by contending that, oh, say, Utah state Rep. Mike Noel is leading the crusade against any new national monuments in Utah only because his political campaigns are paid for largely by real estate, oil, coal and billboard interests. ...

" ... So why, then, is Noel thumping the tub of the Utah Constitutional Defense Council, demanding an investigation into where the alliance of Native American nations that is calling for a Bears Ears National Monument is getting its money? ..."

Vandals defaced the Frame Arch. Don't let them get away with it — Ogden Standard-Examiner Editorial

"Upland streams carried soft red sandstone boulders into the salt beds of eastern Utah 150 million years ago, and over time the stone eroded, becoming breathtaking arches. And in a matter of minutes, someone defaced one the most famous arches in Arches National Park, perhaps forever.

"The arches belong to all of us. They belong to time immemorial.

"Don't let the vandals get away with it. ..."

Many in valley unfamiliar with land we inhabit — Thad Box | For The Logan Herald Journal

" ... Cache Valley's human population doubles about every 30 years. If we continue business as usual, the human element in our valley may self destruct. But if most people live in densely populated cities, most private land remains in farms and people in the future use public lands for watersheds, recreation and other public amenities, we stand a chance of continuing as a rare gem in a crowded world. The first step is getting to know and respect the people and the land of our valley."

Celebrate Earth Day with new resolve — Park Record Editorial

" ... Most of our kids have grown up knowing that glass and office paper go to the recycling bin, not the trash can and they aren't shy about telling their wayward parents to install more energy-efficient LED light bulbs. This year they are also helping the area compete for a national energy conservation prize. ..."

We should celebrate Arbor Day every day of the year — Kurt S. Pregitzer | For The Idaho Statesman

" ... Idaho's forests matter today, they matter tomorrow and long into our future. From the casual user to those with forest-related livelihoods, I am hopeful all Idahoans will see the forest as part of a bright, sustainable and renewable future for our state. I encourage everyone to make Arbor Day a part of your everyday life."

[Kurt. S. Pregitzer, is Dean of the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho.]

Whoever controls Idaho's resources controls our economic future — Russ Fulcher | For The Idaho Statesman

" ... Over recent years, Idaho has continually transitioned from a resource-based economy of logging, mining, agribusiness, etc., to more of a service-based economy. But true wealth creation comes from the appropriate management and utilization of resources, not trading haircuts. Thanks to government constraints on the use of our resources, Idahoans are left mainly with service-based jobs. The result: Idahoans may have work, but they are fiscally poor. ..."

[Russ Fulcher is former majority caucus chairman of the Idaho Senate. He currently has a commercial real estate business.]

BLM falling down on the job — Las Vegas Review-Journal Editorial

"Reason No. 297 why the federal government should cede control of a large swath of its sweeping Nevada real estate portfolio to those who actually live here:

"For years, the Bureau of Land Management has done a miserable job of managing wild horse populations in the West. Thanks to that dereliction of duty, the BLM recently informed ranchers in northeastern Nevada that there will be further restrictions on grazing permits because wild horses have overrun certain areas, compromising the health of range lands. ..."

Why kids need dirt — Tom Purcell | For The Casper Star-Tribune