Sarah Elfreth: “H.R. 4684 would authorize the Forest Service to issue a permit authorizing the maintenance of a flagpole at Kyhv Peak…”

“H.R. 4684 would authorize the Forest Service to issue a permit authorizing the maintenance of a flagpole at Kyhv Peak Lookout Point in Utah. This peak is located near Provo, Utah, in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. It is a popular hiking destination that is used to feature the prominent flagpole displaying the American flag, which was first installed in 2000 by a Boy Scout troop. However, U.S. Forest Service regulations prohibit the construction, placing, or maintaining of any structure on National Forest System land. The initial placement of this flagpole did not receive a permit, and consequently, the agency ordered the removal of the flagpole. These agency policies are vital for the proper stewardship of our resources, and the support for this bill should in no way be seen as an attempt to undermine or weaken that very crucial standard. We must continue to promote the simple but important principle of 'leave no trace' to continue to minimize the impact of our visits on the plants, animals, and ecosystems we all hold dear. To be clear, the agency should be able to resolve this situation on their own. The Forest Service has testified before the Committee on Natural Resources that they are working to issue the necessary permit without congressional action. However, this patriotic display, especially in our 250th year, as the chair said, is important to the local community and visitors alike.”