This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated.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.
The Río Grande del Norte National Monument in New Mexico was recently created.
This resulted from the efforts of recreational organizations and a wide variety of other groups, including local governments, chambers of commerce and local businesses. Obviously, these groups understand that the protection of natural areas expands economic opportunities.
Extractive industries, like logging and mining, exploit the most profitable resources in the short term, but later returns keep diminishing. Consider the ghost towns of the West and places whose former glory has disappeared.
On the other hand, choice destinations continually strengthen surrounding communities. This important lesson underscores the need for a Greater Canyonlands National Monument.
Aaron Jones
Salt Lake City