But now that we've tinkered with natural ecosystems by putting cows and sheep on rangeland that was once home to elk, deer, coyotes and wolves, and by building homes and roads for a couple of million people, we have to more wisely manage what we've wrought.

If we don't, we'll leave a legacy of ruined rivers and streams and a land so despoiled and crowded it can no longer support wildlife and vegetation - a place our grandchildren wouldn't want.

Thanks to an unusual partnership of varied interests, including ranchers and farmers, environmental stewards, hunters and fishers and quality-growth advocates, there is hope we can avoid that.

These unlikely partners are proposing, in House Bill 102, that the Legislature provide continuous funding for three programs that are vital to curbing uncontrolled growth, and to protecting agriculture, wildlife and open space into the bargain.

HB102 would provide $5 million annually from the General Fund to each of the following: the Watershed Restoration Program, administered by the Department of Natural Resources; the Rangeland Program, run by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food; and the LeRay McAllister Critical Lands Fund, administered by the Utah Quality Growth Commission.

What makes this such a good deal for Utah is that the state funds would be leveraged with private and federal grants by as much as five or six times, making the $15 million worth up to $90 million and maybe more.

Traditionally adversarial, but brought together by a shared concern for dwindling recreational and agricultural land and threatened watersheds, the partners are offering a plan that would use sound science to clean up and preserve water quality and restore sensitive areas. It would also help rural economies by keeping farmers and ranchers on their land. And it would maintain open areas for recreation, including hunting and fishing, while preserving scenic vistas and attacking invasive species.

And it would do all that while preserving private property.

Now, while the state is enjoying economic good times, is the right moment to invest in its long-term environmental, agricultural and recreational health. HB102 is a far-sighted plan the Legislature should approve, and continue to fund in the future.