ST. GEORGE — Four possible growth scenarios are on the table for review during the next three weeks as Vision Dixie begins its final series of public meetings in Washington County.

"This is all about having more choices," said Washington County Commissioner Jim Eardley, who chairs the Vision Dixie process with a large group of representatives from other cities and towns in the county. "This is a chance for getting ahead of the curve."

That "curve" is the unprecedented amount of growth surging throughout Dixie, which could put a serious damper on the widely promoted quality of life features that draw people to the area, says one member of the group's steering committee.

"If people want to see new thinking and change, then they need to get up out of their seats and participate in this process," said Lin Alder, a photographer and real estate developer from Springdale.

"Vision Dixie will only matter as much as citizens step up and speak up."

Last fall, more than 1,200 Washington County residents of all ages participated in 13 workshops that addressed future growth issues. Using data compiled from those meetings, four possible growth scenarios will be presented to the public starting tonight in nine meetings scheduled throughout the county.

"We are hoping that people will respond and let us know if we captured what they said they wanted during the previous meetings," said Kevin Fayles, the community relations manager for the Coalition for Utah's Future, a sponsor of Envision Utah and Vision Dixie.

The four scenarios include a baseline (scenario B) that shows what Washington County could look like in 2030 with 400,000 residents if cities and towns continue on their present planning paths. Some Bureau of Land Management property would be sold to private developers, with some development occurring on ridge tops and in animal habitat zones.

Scenario A is characterized as one where residential growth occurs on larger lots outside current city boundaries. This scenario uses a ring of new freeways and extended public bus service. Some BLM land would also be sold to private developers under this scenario and growth could occur on steeper slopes.

Scenario C encourages residential growth in pockets or villages outside of cities, with more public transportation such as a light rail system and a walkable-type city center. Some BLM land in areas within existing city limits could be sold to private developers, while ridge tops, river corridors and critical habitats are conserved for recreation or open space.

Scenario D would limit residential growth to current city limits by filling in vacant land and reusing commercial and industrial sites. Light rail, extended bus service and a new major thoroughfare would link the east and west sides of the St. George metro area. Few, if any, BLM lands would be sold under this scenario and more land would be conserved for recreation and to preserve habitat for animals and open space.