This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated.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.

In his recent op-ed, Sen. Orrin Hatch is correct when he states that an issue of pressing concern to Utahns is management of federal lands.

That's where his accuracy ends. The rhetoric he employs is just that. Rhetoric. "...those in eastern Utah who have lived on this land for generations and who rely on its resources for their livelihoods." Is this really the only interest?

Hatch is giving a level of lip service to the preservation of the wilderness while advocating for "multi-use." Is this really not just code for drill, mine, graze, allow OHV access and, yes, hike if you must?

My wife and my son's family actually descend from the ranchers of San Juan and have rich ties to the Colorado plateau. It's unfortunate he assumes all Utahns are against a national monument designation. We are not.

Have you not seen the massive input into the economies surrounding the Mighty Five? Have you not seen the new interest surrounding the Grand Staircase?

I'll wrap it up with a quote by Ed Abbey: "I have come more and more to the conclusion that wilderness, in America or anywhere else, is the only thing left that is worth saving."

Dan Cunningham

Springville