Controversial Monument Turns 10, Locals Change Their Tune

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(KCPW News) It's been 10 years since President Bill Clinton designated 1-point-7 million acres public land in southern Utah as the Grand Staircase/Escalante National Monument. The move angered many locals, but Kane County Tourism Director Ted Hallisey says time heals:

"We've seen a lot of economic return, scientific discoveries that might not have been there without the federal designation," says Hallisey. "So we've seen it turn around and a lot of people are atleast a little more receptive. A lot of people around the area are a lot more receptive now."

Kane County officials and residents are so generally pleased with the monument that they're highlighting it in their booth at the State Fair and holding an anniversary party in Kanab on Saturday. Hallisey says a big jump in the county's tourism tax collections is fueling the good feelings. A recent analysis suggests the monument is bringing in more money through recreation than it would have through agriculture and mining.

The monument designation also led to significant dinosaur discoveries.

Teams of archaeologists have uncovered a giant bird-like dinosaur and a horned creature that is a distant relative of the Triceratops. Both are on display at the Kane County State Fair booth.

More information about 10th anniversary festivities is online at www.kaneutah.com.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW