Description |
Protection of the Wasatch Mountains, canyons, and foothills will determine the future of Salt Lake City and the quality of life for the residents. Current development opportunities and the Utah Legislative Sessions directed towards the Wasatch Mountains, canyons, and foothills has made this project timely. With a focus on the Central Wasatch, I asked how do people in the Salt Lake Valley understand the importance of the Wasatch Mountains, canyons, and foothills for the local environment? Using snowball sampling, I collected participants from the community of Salt Lake City. Overall, participants connected development and political threats in the Central Wasatch to impacting their quality of water, quality of air, quality of life for wildlife and ecosystems, along with recreation opportunities. Participants were in favor of protecting the public land in the Central Wasatch. Overall, there was a lack in understanding about who is managing the Central Wasatch. Understanding how people relate and view the Wasatch Mountains, canyons, and foothills will inform future advocacy and outreach opportunities. Further research on this subject is recommended. |