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| Image: USFWS |
Written by Don Gilman
The Mojave Desert Tortoise is one the iconic animals of the region, but this rare, notoriously shy creature has long been a species whose very existence is under threat. Increased development, habitat destruction and other factors have all contributed to its declining numbers and threatened status. The Red Cliffs Desert Reserve was set aside in 1996 in large part to protect this endemic species. At the same time, St. George and Washington County has seen enormous growth occur over the last several decades, and with that growth comes many challenges. One of those dilemmas relates directly to the impact development has on the Desert Tortoise. A new proposal by the BLM may allow changes that could begin construction of the Northern Corridor—also known as the Washington Parkway—through the heart of the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. On Tuesday, July 21, the Southwest Utah National Conservation Lands Friends (SUNCLF), which opposes construction of the Northern Corridor, will hold a meeting to discuss the proposal.
Only Friday, July 17, the BLM released its Draft National Conservation Area (NCA) Resource Management Plan (RMP) for Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area and Red Cliffs National Conservation Area, along with a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. This plan is now available to both view online and to give feedback on the proposals. One of the issues addressed in this draft concerns proposed development of the Northern Corridor. If built, this road would cut through the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, linking the Washington Parkway, Exit 13 on I-15 with Red Hills Parkway.
SUNCLF will hold a meeting on Tuesday, July 21, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. to discuss the plan. The meeting will be held at Citizens for Dixie’s Future at 321 N. Mall Drive in St. George. For more information, contact Susan Crook at 435-773-7920 or via email at [email protected]. Information on the BLM’s plans can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/st__george/planning2/nca_resource_management.html
