[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 66 (Thursday, May 21, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S5323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BENNETT (for himself and Mr. Hatch):
  S. 2106. A bill to expand the boundaries of Arches National Park, 
Utah, to include portions of certain drainages that are under the 
jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management, and to include a portion 
of Fish Seep Draw owned by the State of Utah, and for other purposes; 
to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.


             the arches national park expansion act of 1998

  Mr. BENNETT. Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce legislation to 
expand the boundaries of Arches National Park. I appreciate my 
colleague Senator Hatch for joining me in this effort. The House 
version of this bill, H.R. 2283 sponsored by Mr. Cannon, was passed 
late last year.
  Most Americans recognize the familiar landscape of Arches National 
Park. It encompasses some of the most unique lands in the Southwest. 
Delicate sandstone arches, stunning vistas, contrasting colors, 
sweeping desert valleys, maze-like rock formations, and rugged gorges 
characterize the panorama in the park. In 1929, when the park was 
created, knowledge of ecosystem management was almost nonexistent. Park 
designation preserved these unique geological treasures but also relied 
on fairly rigid park boundaries which has resulted in some 
fragmentation of ecological areas within the park. This bill authorizes 
a 3,140 acre expansion to include the beautiful and unique Lost Spring 
Canyon parcel contiguous with the eastern boundary of the Arches. This 
addition will enhance the ecological protection of Arches.
  The Arches National Park Expansion includes portions of the following 
drainages: Salt Wash, Lost Spring Canyon, Fish Seep Draw, Clover 
Canyon, Cordova Canyon, Mine Draw, and Cottonwood Wash. These areas are 
currently under the jurisdiction of either the Bureau of Land 
Management or the State of Utah. Once the expansion is complete, the 
Park Service will continue to protect the wilderness values of these 
lands. No road or campground construction will occur in the new 
addition. Lost Spring Canyon will continue primarily to be used for 
back-country hiking. It is not in danger of being overrun by thousands 
of park visitors simply by the nature of the rugged terrain and the 
distances involved. But it makes good management sense to bring these 
areas under park management.
  Public lands debates are far too contentious in the West, 
particularly in Utah. While it is unfortunate that we have not been 
able to reach consensus on issues like wilderness, I am pleased that 
the expansion of Arches National Park is an issue which a diverse group 
of interests do agree. Local officials, the Grand Canyon Trust, the 
National Parks and Conservation Association, environmental groups, the 
State of Utah, the Utah Congressional delegation, and the 
Administration all support this bill.
  This legislation is good for Arches National Park and is a great 
example of how it is possible to reach consensus among public lands 
interests. The expansion will enhance the visitor experience of Arches 
by expanding back-country opportunities. It makes good management sense 
for both BLM and the Park Service. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
moving this legislation quickly.
  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I am pleased to rise today along with my 
good friend and colleague, Senator Bennett, as a cosponsor of the 
Arches National Park Expansion Act of 1998. This is an inexpensive, 
practical, common-sense proposal that has gathered widespread support.
  Arches National Park is known world-wide for its spectacular canyons 
and rock formations. When Arches National Park was created 25 years 
ago, the park boundaries were set with little regard to naturally 
occurring borders. Specifically, Lost Springs Canyon, located in the 
northeast corner of the park, was divided in half by the park 
boundaries.
  Mr. President, this worthwhile legislation would expand the 
boundaries of the park by approximately 3,140 acres, incorporating the 
Lost Spring Canyon. The new, expanded boundary would better follow the 
natural borders dictated by the position of the canyon rim rather than 
the section lines and manmade features. Adding Lost Spring Canyon to 
the 73,400 acres already included in Arches National Park would bring a 
variety of new arches, balanced rocks, spires, and other geologic 
features under park protection and management. The addition of Lost 
Spring Canyon would also include the option of a ``back-country'' 
experience in Arches National Park.
  The widespread support this bill enjoys is the result of careful 
efforts to balance competing interests. The Utah School Trust, the 
Grand Canyon Trust, the National Parks and Conservation Association, 
and the National Park Services have voiced support for the proposed 
bill. Local officials, interest groups, and a majority of the residents 
of Grand County have been consulted for input and are also supportive 
of the boundary change.
  Again, I am pleased to cosponsor the Arches National Park Expansion 
Act of 1998. I urge my colleagues to support this important 
legislation.
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