Zion National Park's centennial celebrated

In celebrating Zion National Park's centennial Tuesday, the few dozen people gathered at the Gallivan Center remembered the past with an eye on the future.

"Our hope is that 100 years from now we still have this beautiful place that grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to enjoy," said David Nimkin, southwest regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association.

Zion, one of eight national parks in Utah, turns 100 later this month. A formal celebration will be held at the park then, but park officials shared in the fun Tuesday with the crowds in town for the Outdoor Retailers convention.

Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker thanked Outdoor Retailers for playing a role in the preservation of Utah's wild lands, including Zion.

Filmmaker Ken Burns, whose documentaries feature stories of Americana, included the park in his latest effort, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Partygoers were treated to a sneak preview of the film Tuesday night.

"The series tells the story of individuals that stood out to protect these places, to make them parks, to really become their champions," Nimkin said. "It's in that same spirit that we think individuals need to continue to stand up and speak for these places today."

Nimkin said a number of challenges are threatening the future of the park.

The proposed Toquop coal-fired power plant outside Mesquite, Nev., could have an adverse impact at Zion, he said. "We believe, and scientists believe, it would have serious effects on the pristine air quality at Zion Park."

Park officials are also concerned about development adjacent to the park. Nimkin said officials are working with landowners to create conservation easements there.

"The kind of work that's being done today hopefully will protect the resources for the future," he said. "We shouldn't take these places for granted. We are so lucky to have them. And they won't stay as we remember them, as we want our grandkids to experience them, unless we work today."

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