Have you heard? Someone wants to quarry Rock Canyon for quartz to be used as "decorative rock". I think the rock looks much more decorative up on the mountain, where it belongs. Rock Canyon is not only beautiful in its own right, but is a very popular local spot for rock climbers, hikers, snowshoers, campers, geology students, bird watchers, photographers, dog walkers, and your average person who just wants to take a nice walk on a Sunday afternoon. We have been to Rock Canyon for many of those purposes ourselves. The hopeful miner claims the entrance to Rock Canyon does not see foot traffic and would be a great route for the trucks, tractors, etc. Anyone who has visited knows that people walk in and out on the asphalt trail all the time. Think of the dust and noise traffic that would be created that would disturb the nearby residents! A geologist at BYU said, "This particular quarry is not unique. There are several other places that could be mined without destroying a beautiful canyon." I for one don't want the face of this beautiful mountain, a Provo icon, marred.If you love Rock Canyon, or just care about saving a local natural treasure, visit http://preserverockcanyon.com. Local leaders would love to hear from concerned residents, but they want to hear specifics on why mining would be a bad idea (safety and health issues, noise pollution, loss of a popular recreational area, etc.). Don't know who to contact? Click here for contact information for the mayor and city council. I believe that Rock Canyon the way it is now has infinitely more resources to offer, both tangible and intangible, for generations to come, than it would in the form of decorative quartz. If you care, celebrate Earth Day by taking a few minutes to learn about this issue and take action if you feel so inclined (even if you don't live right in Provo! Anyone can enjoy Rock Canyon).
Every Day is Earth Day!
4 comments:
I love Rock Canyon! I have many fond memories!
Many fond memories for me too: Me as an eight-year-old trudging behind my ten-year-old brother exploring the path up through the mouth of the canyon. The first time up I got a little scared that we were going too far, but I soon came to love the hike and the canyon. Crazy, but I feel something of an ownership to it having been there so much as a kid. I've been so glad to read during these past couple of weeks about the uprising of the community against this developer. I will make my voice heard as well. Thanks for the link as well as the push.
As promised, I contacted "the powers that be" and voiced my opposition to the possibility of Mr. Davis desecrating Rock Canyon. Today, I received a thank you email addressing me as Mr. Deon . . .
Heh...
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