About the Western Counties Alliance

Who we are:

The Western Counties Alliance is a non-profit, 501(c)(4) organization established by western counties to increase their influence on shaping federal land management laws and polices.

Our Mission:

WCA advocates balanced multiple use management of the public lands and natural resources, responsible economic development and sensible environmental standards.

Western Counties Alliance actively lobbies to repeal or amend public lands and resources laws and regulations that do not serve the public interest or that do not treat public lands states and counties fairly and equally.

Our Staff:

Mark O. Walsh, (click here for brief biography) a former congressional staffer and a veteran public lands policy analyst with 25 years experience with the Utah Association of Counties, is Executive Director of the WCA. He is supported by some of the best and most experienced public lands issues consultants in the country.

How we accomplish our mission:

• Encourage all rural public lands counties to join us in our efforts.
• Educate the public and the media about the realities, opportunities and challenges associated with current federal natural resources policies.
• Bring the best scientific research and practical expertise to bear in support of our efforts.
• Actively lobby policy makers for needed changes in law.
• Participate in the development and implementation of federal regulations.
• Build coalitions with the broadest possible range of organizations and individuals who share our goals and objectives.
• Encourage communication and cooperation among groups and individuals who support our mission.

Current major projects and emphasis

Full Funding of PILT

Achieve full funding of payments-in-lieu-of-taxes and pass legislation to insulate PILT funding from the annual appropriations process. This is the top priority for the WCA.

Protecting RS 2477 Rights

Protecting public access to public lands by defending publicly-owned RS 25477 rights-of-way. WCA is working towards a locally-acceptable congressional resolution of this problem.

Ranching and Rangeland Revitalization

Incorporating sound science and proven best management practices into federal grazing policy to revitalize ranching and improve public rangelands.

Wilderness Reform

Reforming the Wilderness Act and federal wilderness regulations and policy to deal with the many problems created by formal wilderness designation.

Energy Development

Supporting balanced and responsible development of the public’s energy resources.

Federal Policy Coordination

Improving the coordination of federal natural resources policy with the land use planning and economic development policies of state and local governments.

For more information contact:

Mark O. Walsh
Executive Director
Western Counties Alliance
Box 57035
Murray, Utah 84157

Phone: 801-652-4338
Fax: 435-654-2472
www.westerncounties.org
allies@westerncounties.org