From: "Lindsey Ferrari" <lindsey@wfandco.com <mailto:lindsey@wfandco.com>> The Museum of Natural History is planning to build a 17-acre facility directly south of the Red Butte Arboretum. The site sits directly over the north/south Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Because Federal Funds are helping to pay for the project, the Museum is required to undergo an environmental analysis of the proposal. They have to consider environmental effects of the construction and operation of the new facility which includes a 169,000 sq. foot building, associated parking, utility connections, landscaping, etc. This new facility will undoubtedly have major effects on: * Trail access for bikers, hikers, joggers * The contiguous aspect of the north/south trail * Parking for recreation users on Colorow Road * Increased traffic in the Research Park area * Vegetation and wildlife * Viewsheds * Light pollution in the area There is also a question about what types of development should occur in that area. The Research Park area was originally donated by the BLM to the University of Utah for "research" and "recreation" purposes. But as you know, Huntsman and NPS Pharmaceuticals currently have large corporate headquarters on that land. Who is acting as responsible stewards of that land? When will development end? Unfortunately, the public comment process has been very quiet and it ends TOMORROW, March 16, 2005. The only way to slow down the process is to send comments/questions immediately to Laura Hanson at Bear West (the consulting firm handling the environmental process. Her e-mail is Lhanson@bearwest.com <mailto:Lhanson@bearwest.com> Our experience with the Federal Environmental shows that in order for comments to truly have an impact they must be very specific in pointing out potential impacts or challenge the process as inadequate for gathering comment from users of the area. Please, send comments to Laura Hansen ASAP and forward this e-mail to anyone else who might be interested. Thanks! Lindsey Ferrari PS In order for comments to be considered valid, you need to provide your full name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Send your comments today to: lhanson@bearwest.com <mailto:lhanson@bearwest.com>