Synopsis

In 1978 and again in 1984, at the urging of the Utah Delegation, Salt Lake City, Save Our Canyons and the environmental community, Congress permanently protected approximately 37,000 acres of Utah’s most scenic alpine terrain. Since that time, population surrounding the Central Wasatch has been rapidly increasing; population for Salt Lake County alone has surpassed 1 million people. This natural area is now endangered by the urban populations encompassing it.

Salt Lake City gets over 60% of its water supply from the 200 square-mile Salt Lake City Watershed. The pressures this area sees in visitation alone are unmatched in any other forest in the country. Save Our Canyons and our partners would like to see that this extraordinarily unique environment is kept pristine for the sake of wildlife, ecosystem preservation, and the health of the citizens that depend on the one resource that is essential for life in this valley: water.

Wilderness designation is the best way to protect the integrity of the Central Wasatch. This area receives more annual visits than Yellowstone National Park though less than half its size. The proximity of this landscape to such a large population results in unintended consequences such as: pressures from development, transportation within the canyons, and overuse by recreationists seeking a wilderness experience.

Watershed Management

Save Our Canyons and the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities have developed proposed Wilderness additions to preserve sensitive ecosystems, protect water quality, and the overall quality of life for the residents in the valley below. As shown in the Proposed Wilderness Additions and Land Management Map the Department of Public Utilities has been actively acquiring land within the Central Wasatch to protect water resources for their customers. It is our belief that the combination of land acquisition and Wilderness Designation is the only permanent way to protect the watershed.

Ecology

Ecological continuity is very important for sustaining species, yet current boundaries are fragmented and allow for minimal species migration. Moose, black bear and golden eagles are frequently seen throughout these mountains.

The Central Wasatch provides critical habitat for: the three-toed woodpecker, northern goshawk, Bonneville cutthroat trout, and the Utah shooting-star – a plant exclusive to the Wasatch. Without permanent protection the populations of these sensitive species are at risk due to habitat destruction and degradation. The high alpine regions of the Wasatch are also prime habitat for the Canadian lynx which have recently been reintroduced to the Intermountain West.

Wilderness

Wilderness is the highest protection that can be placed upon these treasured lands and the only way to ensure for their protection for the benefit of future generations. Save Our Canyons Proposed Wilderness Additions Map is based on the US Forest Service’s Inventoried Roadless Areas data, in conjunction with Wilderness extensions proposed by the Department of Public Utilities.

Ultimately, the future of the Wasatch lies in the hands of the United States Congress. It is our hope that you too will see that the time is now to protect this unique area before it is lost and no longer able to support the populations that are dependant upon it.
 

Wilderness Quick Facts

Utah Population within 15 miles of the Wasatch: 85% (about 1,898,000)

Residents currently served by Salt Lake City Watershed: ~400,000

Current Salt Lake County Wilderness Acres: 37,045

Save Our Canyons Wilderness Proposed Acres: 28,176

Salt Lake County 2007 Population: 1,000,000+

2003 Wasatch-Cache National Forest Visitation: 4,946,915

2005 Yellowstone National Park Visits: 2,870,295