Scott M. Matheson Preserve Temporarily Closed

MOAB, UTAH — November 2, 2008 — The Nature Conservancy and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) announced that the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve will be closed to the public for safety reasons until further notice following a recent wildfire.

On October 21 and 22, more than 400 acres of tamarisk, bulrush, and native vegetation were burned in a wildfire that took place in the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab, Utah. In addition, much of the preserve’s trail system was damaged and parts of the boardwalk, wildlife viewing blind and teaching circle were completely destroyed.

The Conservancy and DWR jointly own and manage the Matheson preserve to protect important ecological values and wildlife habitat, and to serve as a public education resource to the community.

Preserve managers Linda Whitham (the Conservancy) and Chris Wood (DWR) are working on plans for restoration of the burn area, which will be implemented in the next few weeks. The Conservancy and DWR apologize for the inconvenience and request that the public comply with this temporary closure.

For questions or further information, please call 435-259-4629.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org/utah.