Utah

Message from the Utah Geological Survey

Earth Science Week provides us with the opportunity to expand the public's understanding of Utah's geology, which in turn helps with:

• Reducing vulnerability to natural hazards such as earthquakes, rock falls, landslides, debris flows, flooding, unstable soils, and subsidence;
• Identifying and assessing the value of resources such as oil, gas, coal, metallic minerals, industrial minerals, geothermal, sand, gravel, and building stone;
• Wise land-use decisions such as suitable locations for highways, dams, urban development, and utility corridors;
• Decision making by the state, municipalities, and rural landowners to sustainably develop precious ground-water resources while protecting ground-water quality; and
  
• Managing our natural environment, including Utah's exemplary preservation of earth history (dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals) and outstanding scenery.
  

Olene Smith Walker
Governor
Declaration

Whereas, earth sciences contribute to our understanding, appreciation of and our respect for nature;

Whereas, earth sciences provide the basis for preparing for and mitigating natural hazards such as the earthquakes, floods, landslides, expansive soils and subsidence experiences;

Whereas, earth sciences are integral to finding, developing and conserving mineral, energy and water resources needed for Utah's continuing prosperity and for handling environmental and ecological issues ranging from water and air quality to waste disposal; and

Whereas, geological factors regarding resources, hazards and environment are key to land management and land use decisions made in Utah;

Now, Therefore, I, Olene S. Walker, governor of the state of Utah, do hereby declare the week of October 10 through 16, 2004, as

Earth Science Week

Olene S. Walker
(signed)
Governor