This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Peter Metcalf took the governor up on his suggestion. He quit.
The head of Holladay-based Black Diamond Equipment had written a guest column chiding Utah's efforts to control federal lands.
Gov. Gary Herbert, unhappy with the public scolding, then offered Metcalf a behind-the-scenes suggestion: Collaborate or resign from the state's Ski and Snowboard Industry Working Group.
Metcalf chose the latter, announcing last week he is leaving the panel.
"[Herbert's] policies are dangerous not only for the vitality of Utah's vibrant, active outdoor-recreation industry, but for tourism, biodiversity and a healthy environment for its citizens as well," Metcalf said
Metcalf opposes legislation Herbert signed asserting Utah's right to control federal lands within the state. He also objects to a lawsuit seeking rights to thousands of disputed roads across federal lands along with proposed federal legislation to link Canyons and Solitude ski resorts by gondola.
In his March 1 Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece, Metcalf wrote that outdoor recreation contributes $5.8 billion annually and supports 65,000 Utah jobs. He also argued that the state's wild places help lure businesses.
"These folks are killing the goose that lays the golden egg," he wrote of Herbert and state lawmakers.
Herbert's office rejected that criticism Monday.
"Mr. Metcalf has again demonstrated his preference to play political games through the press rather than constructively engage in the meaningful collaborative process to which he was invited," spokeswoman Ally Isom wrote. "Gov. Herbert has repeatedly stated that opportunities for outdoor recreation are important to Utah's economy and quality of life, and are a key consideration in every public-lands policy decision."
The governor's office released the March 27 letter in which Herbert suggested Metcalf resign if he "cannot work in a spirit of collaboration." In it, the governor wrote that the gear-company owner was welcome to stay on if he could offer "constructive input," but said "real progress is made by stakeholders working together and negotiating in good faith, not by trading barbs in the editorial pages."