We were traveling West across Southern Utah toward the little town of Boulder, when we encountered two Bureau of Land Management officers at Lake Powell. We were looking for a place to camp for the night. An officer told us we could camp anywhere but suggested Star Spring on the South slope of Henry Mountain. I asked: "Anywhere? Who owns this land?" She said: "You do. We are only custodians paid by your tax dollars."

My point in telling this story is to let the people of Boulder County know that they are in jeopardy of losing existing open space. BLM land IS, by any definition, OPEN SPACE. It is owned by the public and it is free and open to the public.

I applaud Boulder County's current plan to purchase BLM land as it comes up for sale. But I have grave concerns that Boulder County will not honor existing easements and covenants set forth by the Mining Laws of 1872, the Prudent Man Act of 1955 and years of wise BLM policy.

Sometimes you will see a No Trespassing sign and a chain across the road in mineral country. This is illegal. It is usually because of recent arrivals who purchased a mining claim and think they can now keep people out. The BLM does not sell exclusive easements. Ownership of patented land cannot be used to deny access to other land owners nor to the public for access to public land.

But, now Boulder County wants to buy the land and change the rules. As a private property owner, this does not bother me. We now have a takings law. But, the takings law does not protect public access. I have a piece of BLM land completely surrounded. I will no longer need to allow public access to it. Boulder County will be using tax dollars to buy land that only I can legally walk upon.

Anyone who rides a bike, walks a dog, hikes, camps, climbs or in any way enjoys a walk in the woods needs to be concerned about what Boulder County plans for this land. We need to tell our elected officials to honor in perpetuity the existing covenants between public and private interests and protect the rights of all. Don't let Boulder County pay lip service to "buying open space" and then rip you off of your public land.

R. Jones/Westminster