In the fall of 2018, I paddled through Labyrinth Canyon of the Green River. I had never done an overnight canoe trip, and I packed and repacked for days, making sure that I had room in my solo canoe. For four days I glided downriver, reveling in the tranquil beauty. I almost fell out of the boat upon sighting snowy egrets nesting on a cliff. I watched red-tailed hawks soar overhead and blue herons skim along the muddy water. Rainbows and starry nights took my breath away.
Deservedly, Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness was signed into law under the Dingell Act on March 12, 2019 – a great win. I celebrated and vowed to return. I was unaware that during the final days of the congressional designation process, gas and oil leases had been approved by the Trump administration within the proposed wilderness area. And now, the vultures are circling: “Feds look to approve helium well inside new wilderness area as opponents decry political mischief.”
These lands are far more precious as wilderness than any extractive use could ever be. Submit your comments to the BLM in opposition to drilling in Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness by Nov. 9 — the deadline has been extended.
Jennifer Fegely, Salt Lake City
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