This time of year — when the temperatures crash — more than a few northern Utahns not only "wish they were in Dixie," they actually go there. Washington County has become a favorite stop not only on I-15, but on the freeway of life. It recently was named among the top 10 places in the United States for low crime. It is a boom town.

But to keep that boom from blowing up in everybody's face, it's important the "Vision Dixie" plan keep moving ahead. Next to having to display a "Wasatch" skier on their license plates, the thing many Washington County dwellers hate most is having Butt-inskies from the north tell them how to do things. But just as Salt Lake City belongs to all Utahns, every Utahn has a stake in the St. George area — just ask the snowbirds and senior gamers.

The fear is that "Vision Dixie" will run out of steam after it has come so far. That would be a crying shame, since the plan is so sound and sane. It has elements of water conservation (St. George uses more water per capita than any other city in the country). There are provisions for maintaining air quality, preservation of scenic landscape, balancing transportation needs, fostering internal growth and keeping the town of St. George "walkable."

Like other Americans, the people of Washington County have traveled some and have seen the ugliness of urban sprawl and commercial districts where the main features are asphalt, glass and steel. Those are places without charm or quaintness — places without character. But since the pioneers first arrived, St. George has not wanted for character — or for characters, for that matter. It would be sad to see such a beautiful oasis get bogged down in conflicts of interest and squabbling over regulations when "Vision Dixie" could enhance the natural and man-made wonders there.

We urge citizens, local governments, business people, politicians — anyone with a stake in the future — to get behind "Vision Dixie" and keep it on track. In time, all of America may one day "wish it were in Dixie." And some intelligent, forward-thinking planning will make it possible for Washington County to accommodate them, without losing its soul.