Gary Stinson, Conservation Chair, Arizona Flycasters, sent a letter to the editor of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, saying in part that “…Our concern is not only that uranium mining would spoil a special space and important acquifer, but that we protect the Grand Canyon because it is an economic powerhouse for tourism…”
With a stroke of his pen, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today protected more than 1,000,000 acres of public land surrounding the Grand Canyon from irresponsible uranium mining.
Business, community Leaders, sportsmen and women and citizens from across Arizona joined the 300,000 other Americans in speaking out in support of the Canyon during the public hearing process before this protection was finalized today. And, Arizona leaders developed a video to thank Secretary Salazar for his efforts.
Listen to the videos which follow in Adobe Photoshop and YouTube formats. We join these leaders in saying thank you, Secretary Salazar and President Obama, for protecting the Grand Canyon – our resources, our economy and our way of life.
Leaders from across Arizona developed a video to thank Secretary Salazar for his efforts to protect the Grand Canyon from new uranium mining claims.
The videos follow in Adobe Photoshop and YouTube formats. We join these leaders in saying thank you, Secretary Salazar, for protecting the Grand Canyon – our resources, our economy and our way of life.
A January 1, 2012, ARIZONA REPUBLIC editorial, “Let’s Maximize Arizona’s Assets,” underscored key assets including the Grand Canyon, open spaces, public lands, and abundant sunshine in looking at the economic engines to drive Arizona forward.
“…Going into the new year, Arizonans should do what any smart investor does. Take a close look at the assets and figure out how to maximize them…”
In a recent letter to President Obama, a nationwide group of economists and academics said, “As economists and academics in related fields, we believe that federal protected public lands are essential to the West’s economic future. These public lands, including national parks, wilderness areas and national monuments, attract innovative companies and workers, and are an essential component of the region’s competitive advantage.”
After listening to a presentation during a Western Governor’s Association meeting, Arizona’s Governor Brewer acknowledged the importance of public lands and outdoor recreation to the economy.
“…My eyes have been opened, and I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t expect that,” said Brewer…Listening to you all, I’m very inspired…We forget sometimes what it means to our quality of life and our economy and experiences. I’m going to do a better job of that.”
Failure to protect Western national parks, monuments and wilderness areas will cost Arizona and other states in the Rocky Mountain region their competitive economic edge. That’s the stark message in a letter to President Obama from more than 100 economists and academics.
“What we’re saying is that the role of protected public lands goes far beyond just attracting tourists. It really has become a magnet that attracts business and entrepreneurship. And that that’s what needs to be added to the dialogue right now,” said Ray Rasker of Headwaters Economics who was one of the letter’s signers.
On November 3, Northern Arizona business owner Stephen Verkamp (President of Verkamp’s, Inc. , Verkamp’s Visitor Center), will travel to Washington to testify in support of Secretary Salazar’s ban on new uranium claims surrounding the Grand Canyon and against legislation to prohibit Secretary Salazar from enforcing his order. The anti-Grand Canyon legislation has been introduced by Arizona Senators McCain and Kyl and Representatives Flake, Franks, Gosar, Quayle and Schweikert.
Verkamp will be testifying before the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands. As part of his testimony, he will submit a letter he signed along with many Arizona business Associations and business owners who also support Secretary Salazar’s ban.
Business owners, sportsmen and women, elected officials, community and environmental leaders across Arizona were thrilled when on October 26 the Administration released its long-awated environmental impact study and announced its intention to protect one million acres around the Grand Canyon from new uranium mining!
The final Environmental Impact Statement was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on October 27 and will be followed by a 30 day public comment period after which Interior Secretary Salazar will make and issue its Record of Decision.
Public News Service-AZ
September 27, 2011
AZ Businesses Launch Campaign Supporting Canyon Mining Moratorium
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Small businesses across Arizona are urging Interior Secretary Ken Salazar to follow through on a proposed 20-year moratorium on new uranium mining near the Grand Canyon. A letter to Salazar signed by dozens of Arizona business associations, and postcards signed by more than 200 small businesses, support protecting the canyon area as a way to help preserve thousands of tourism-related jobs.
For More:
Link Article Here