Utah - Land on the Green River Saved from Developer

thebuckstopshere · May 11, 2007

Just read this story - conservation in action:

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah's wildlife agency bought a piece of trophy land along the Green River today -- putting an end to a potential development scheme.

The land a few miles below Flaming Gorge Dam was auctioned by another state agency, the Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration.

The state Division of Wildlife Resources bid more than $1.6 million for the 364-acre landlocked parcel along a scenic part of the blue-ribbon trout stream.

It was expected the auction would pit the wildlife agency against a Georgia-based development firm that wanted the parcel for a commercial fishing lodge. But the company was a no-show at today's auction.

The wildlife agency found itself bidding against a 40-year-old Ogden physician who quit after the agency ran up the bidding.

The Division of Wildlife Resources had its own surprise.

State officials say Questar Exploration & Production Co. and a federal conservation commission will put up most of the money needed to buy the land.

proutdoors · May 12, 2007

Good news!

How about that, Questar HELPING habitat! It's good to see companies stepping up to the plate and helping wildlife.

I am troubled that the DWR even had to buy this though. SITLA is out of control and needs to be reined in.

PRO

fatrooster · May 12, 2007

I'd really love to see a no build easement for a mile or two up against the mountains to protect against developement on wildlife winter range. Of course that would mean more laws and more government land but I'm all for it to save wintering grounds. What are your thoughts on this? fatrooster.

shotgunjim · May 14, 2007

LAST EDITED ON May-14-07 AT 10:22AM (MST)[p]That is great, great , great news. What a F-ing eye sore that would of been.

I know the guy who got the Georgia Co. involved and he was the one going to build the lodge. The last time I talked to the guy, we got into a pretty good arguement about it. He told me it was already a done deal, I guess it wasn't, can't wait to see he again and ask him what happened, with a big smile on my face.

Oh yea, we're always bashing the UDWR for doing stupid things and sometimes deservingly so. This time they did good and money well spent. Nice work Kowpowiz!(sp)