Correspondence on Bonneville Unit of Central Utah Project

Page 19

Area #13. This area of important watershed possesses many values for recreation and fishing with numerous lakes, the Whiterocks River and attractive scenery. This area should be studied for wilderness designation. Area #14. This is another outstanding area for hiking, fishing -un­usual wildlife, beautiful scenery with exceptional canyons in­cluding the Whiterocks River. Due to the fragile nature of the watershed, strong protection is needed. We certainly recommend wilderness designation for this area. Area #15. This area comprises important transitional range for elk and deer^and serves as a buffer zone for the high country. It should receive strong protection and be managed as a roadless, non-mechanized area. Area #15. This area should receive the same kind of management as area number 15. Area #17. This area has a number of outstanding features in terms of scenery, wildlife, lakes and streams, and is an important watershed, Since it has definite wilderness character and is also adjacent to the HUP A and Area D, it must also be included in wilderness studies. Area #18. This area has definite wilderness character. It should never have been recommended for exclusion from the proposed HUWA, Obviously the water developers and not its valuers a wilderness dictated that decision. It is reasonable to exclude the upper part of Moon Lake and a buffer strip of 1/4 mile from the wild­erness. The remainder should all be restored to the wilderness proposal. Any claim that it does not have wilderness character is a travesty. Area #19. This area contains interesting forested alpine country with good scenery and lovely parks and meadows. It is also an important watershed and has high recreation potential> especially hiking. It should be studied for wilderness. Area #20. This area could bo a nice primitive camping-hiking area. It should receive additional study. Area #21, The rugged terrain and important watershed combined with striking scenery qualify this area for wilderness study. Th reinforced by its contiguity with the HUPA, and it should be studied for wilderness designation. a' e It should be pointed out thatt in a number of areas proposed and potential timber sales conflict with wilderness designation, "it is our general position that wilderness should receive the higher priority ir/such cases. Since pressures are increasing for primitive recreation and spiritual renewal provided by wilderness experiences, and natural areas"are neces­sary to a balanced eco-system and survival on this planet, it does not make much sense to destroy wilderness areas with timber sales. This is especially true when one considers that these areas require up to 150 yrs. for commercially valuable second growth and areas in the Northwest and" Southeast produce second growth in 25 to 40 years. Thus ' the bast