Here in Northern Utah, we live on the shores of the Great Salt Lake. But, the Lake doesn't often intrude on our daily lives. We sometimes forget it's even there.

We frequently take for granted that the wetlands surrounding the Lake are a wildlife resource of international significance. Birds migrating from Canada all the way to South America utilize the lake as a key stopping point.

Sometimes, we also don't recognize that the lake is just as important locally as it is internationally. These wetlands are economically important to our counties by providing nutrient recycling, contaminant filtering and flood control. The lake is an important part of our heritage as well a continuing economic and aesthetic resource. For generations, duck hunters have ventured into these wetlands to harvest the lake's bounty and create memorable experiences with family and friends. Bird-watching enthusiasts travel from around the world to visit Great Salt Lake wetlands. Unfortunately, our activities have not always served the lake well. It's contribution to our economy and way of life are under constant pressure.

The lake's wetlands sustain jobs in the tourism, hunting, and boating industries, supporting businesses and families throughout northern Utah. Although the research is old, circa 1990, economists estimate recreational activities involving Great Salt Lake wetlands (hunting, bird watching, boating, etc) generate upwards of $500 million annually for Utah's economy. The US Fish and Wildlife Service estimates duck hunting alone accounts for more than $21 million in economic impact.

Funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) has helped preserve 55,298 acres of important wetlands in northern Utah. Since the program's inception, Utah has received $3.6 million in federal NAWCA funding. This "seed money" has stimulated local and private contributions of $10.4 million. For every dollar of federal funding almost three dollars of private and local funding has been raised.

By all accounts the program has been a success for northern Utah. This isn't an example of federal bloat. It's an example of how partnerships can work for local communities. These programs help preserve and sustain the lake and its role in our way of life and economy.

Unfortunately, the program is now under attack. The US House of Representatives recently passed a Continuing Resolution completely eliminating funding for NAWCA. The Resolution also cut another key conservation program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has helped fund neighborhood parks and open space improvements in almost every northern Utah community.

Sadly, these severe cuts were championed by northern Utah's own representative, Rob Bishop. He argues that our federal budget must be cut and he mistakenly believes that local resources are sufficient to take care of wetland conservation. This approach is penny wise and pound foolish. The loss of a program that generates a tremendous economic return while preserving a state icon would be a tragedy.

As northern Utah residents, we ask the Senate not to follow Mr. Bishop's lead.

John ("Jack") D. Ray, is a duck hunter and Vice President, Utah Waterfowl Association, and a resident of Bountifu. Maunsel B. Pearce is Vice President, Utah Wetlands Foundation and Chairman of Great Salt Lake Alliance.