I totally support the resolution by Sen.Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, to protect the Greater Canyonlands region ("Utah Democrats call for Greater Canyonlands protections," Tribune, Feb. 6).
I live and have owned businesses in Escalante. The protection of the lands in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument has been so important to southern Utah over the past 10 years.
My business grew every year in a down economy because of the monument. Americans yearn for the beauty of the wilderness. Protecting Greater Canyonlands will be equally good for that area and for the economy of the entire state.
Escalante is a magical place to live, work and visit. People throughout the world will continue to come if we Utah citizens lead the drive to protect these special places.
When people come, they spend money and create jobs and taxes. Tourism is our economy's renewable resource, growing every year as people visit.
I support Dabakis' resolution, SJR10, to protect Greater Canyonlands.
Steve Roberts
Escalante