This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
I question the claims of some that a national monument designation for greater Canyonlands would limit senior citizen access to these special places. For 20 years, I've been a senior citizen and have had no problem with primitive camping, hiking, and enjoying wilderness areas, the Grand Staircase Escalante-National Monument and Bureau of Land Management public lands.
Recreating on public lands is not expensive. This is a benefit for seniors on a fixed income. Utah's outdoor recreation business has grown over the years. This is good for our economy.
The proposed Greater Canyonlands National Monument will not limit access, but will ensure that the lands remain public. The monument process will require the development of a management plan that includes input from the public and all stakeholders. It will not lock out the public or senior citizens.
I plan to spend part of this Christmas holiday in the wilderness, and I'll have no trouble choosing or reaching my destination.
Any politician who has entered BLM lands or national wilderness areas knows full well that national monument designation does not exclude senior citizens.
Violet Schwartz Corkle
Salt Lake City