We must save Great Salt Lake with mighty faith and works

This morning, I joined with religious leaders from across Utah to demonstrate solidarity and support our political leaders in taking dramatic action to save Great Salt Lake.

The interfaith crew gathers before the press conference. Photo by Marc Coles-Ritchie of the Mormon Environmental Stewardship Alliance (MESA).

I've participated in a fair number of rallies and press conferences, but this felt different. Like usual for February, The Capitol was abuzz with legislative activities and booths in the rotunda. It was boomy and hard to hear, but the messages moved my body and soul. We weren't complaining about the failure of the legislature to take next steps. We weren't railing against the shortsightedness that afflicts us all. We were coming together in communion and love. Here are the notes I used when addressing the crowd.

Rios Pachecho of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation kicks off the interfaith press conference. Photo by Alexis Perno, Great Salt Lake Collaborative.

Anti-wildlife lobbyists ask for more of our taxes

The group called Sportsmen for Fish & Wildlife is seeking $500,000 from the Utah legislature. Along with its sister organizations Big Game Forever and Stag Consulting, this group has received more than $12 million from the state to politicize wildlife management while fighting in court to keep Utahns from knowing how they spent the funds. The group was the subject of a legislative audit for inappropriately commingling money from public and private sources, and there is a direct connection with the Utah Lake islands project (details below). They have been called out by multiple groups ranging from the National Rifle Association to Utah's Legislative Auditor General.

Starting tomorrow with the appropriations process, our legislators will decide whether to use more of our money to support this group. There are 20 legislators on the Executive Appropriations Committee. You can find their emails listed on pages 15 and 16 of the Great Salt Lake Audubon Society's legislative update. Please take a few minutes to email or text these legislators to refuse the "Hunter Nation" funding request. Many budget items only get a brief mention, and your message could make sure that our taxes are used for their best and highest purpose. The legislative update also recommends several good uses of funds, including water conservation for Great Salt Lake.

It doesn't come natural to many of us, but having the courage to send a short and polite message can make a big difference. Thank you for your concern and action at this important time.

Here is some background on these guys that I put together for my blog post last year: