President Trump signed S. 47, a lands package significant to the Uintah Basin, into law on Tuesday. As the ranking member of the House Committee on Natural Resources, Utah’s Representative Rob Bishop released a statement on this achievement that was years in the making. “Local voices impacted by public lands throughout our country have been heard,” shared Bishop. “Today commemorates a bipartisan achievement that has been years in the making, and I’d like to thank President Trump for signing this valuable legislation into law. This bill is a victory for America’s sportsmen, local governments, public lands, and rightfully establishes monuments the right way,” continues Bishop. “This achievement carries great meaning for my home state of Utah, and I’m proud to see this day finally arrive.” Leaders and stakeholders in the Uintah Basin were actively involved in the creation and push for this public lands package. Of the ten sections in the Act that are specific to Utah, three directly affect the Uintah Basin: the Outdoor Recreation Access and Enhancement via McCoy Flats Trail System Designation, the Uintah County Land Conveyance and Ashley Karst National Recreation and Geologic Area Designation, and the John Wesley Powell National Conservation Area Designation. There have been different versions of this lands bill for the last 5 years and while this is a scaled down version, it is still considered to be accomplishing positive things for the Uintah Basin.
