ST. GEORGE, Utah — A passionate gathering of climbing enthusiasts and environmental advocates took place at a St. George City Council meeting on Thursday night, as they rallied to protect Moe's Valley, a cherished climbing destination facing potential development. The meeting, held at the city's new city hall, drew dozens of supporters who voiced their concerns over the future of the area, emphasizing the need for a dedicated open space preservation committee. As the meeting commenced, Supe Lillywhite, a prominent figure in the local climbing community known for his handle "The Desert Rat" on Instagram, took the lead in mobilizing support. Lillywhite encouraged attendees to stand up during the public comment period, demonstrating the strong community backing for the preservation of outdoor recreational spaces. "It made me really proud of our local community to not just see recreationalists there but conservationists, everybody that just loves this area," Lillywhite expressed, highlighting the diverse coalition united for this cause. The crux of the debate revolves around a complex land deal that involves the proposed construction of a four-lane Northern Corridor highway that threatens the habitat of the endangered desert tortoise. Public officials have engaged in negotiations with Trust Lands, which would implement a 20-year development moratorium on Moe's Valley if the Northern Corridor project goes forward. Conversely, without the highway, Trust Lands retains the option to sell the Moe's Valley property to developers at any time, raising concerns among community members about the potential loss of this beloved climbing area. Lillywhite, who operates a local climbing gear store called The Desert Rat, expressed his frustration over the city’s lack of leadership regarding preservation initiatives. "We all recognize that St. George is going to continue to grow, and we're okay with that. We understand that," he said. However, he indicated that the absence of proactive measures from city officials left local residents vulnerable. Lillywhite also criticized non-profit organizations for adopting a rigid stance that attempts to protect both the Red Cliffs area and Moe's Valley without compromise. "I very much wish that they would compromise... Let's stop thinking the only solution is lawsuits. Let's figure out a way so everybody can win, because otherwise my biggest fear is that we're going to lose everything," he warned. The looming threat of development is palpable, particularly with construction equipment visible just 300 yards from Sentinel Boulder, a site where Lillywhite first learned to climb 24 years ago. This location now serves as a cherished destination for both him and his children, emphasizing the personal stakes involved in the fight for preservation. However, there appears to be potential for collaboration. Wendy Womack of Conserve Southwest Utah expressed her organization’s support for the creation of a committee aimed at safeguarding open spaces. "In our region, defined by open spaces and plenty of recreational opportunities, it just makes sense to have a dedicated committee where everyone can come together to share what they care about and work toward shared goals," Womack stated, indicating a willingness to find common ground. St. George City Councilmember Dannielle Larkin acknowledged the significance of the community turnout at the meeting. "It is always helpful for our council to hear from the residents and to have clarity as to what matters most to them. Our council plans to be responsive to this request and to continue to negotiate effective ways to preserve the spaces that matter most to residents now and into the future," Larkin assured attendees, signaling the council's commitment to addressing community concerns. Moe's Valley, alongside the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, is not only a recreational haven but also a critical habitat for the endangered desert tortoise and the unique dwarf bear poppy, which blooms exclusively in the area each spring. The valley attracts climbers from across the nation and beyond, with visitors like Eric Gremban from Carlsbad, California, noting that he has traveled to Moe's Valley at least 20 times. Gremban has encountered climbers from various locales including San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even international visitors from France, Belgium, and Japan. Gremban emphasized the economic importance of climbing tourism, arguing that the revenue generated from climbers may outweigh the benefits of residential development. "It feels a lot like chopping off your leg to lose weight, right? Like it's a short-term cut to make that's going to make long-term sacrifice for you," he remarked. He underscored the joy and economic value that outdoor activities bring to the local community, reinforcing the argument for preserving such spaces. As St. George continues to grow, the future of Moe's Valley hangs in the balance, with community members advocating for a thoughtful approach that balances development with the preservation of cherished natural resources. The outcome of this ongoing debate will not only determine the fate of Moe's Valley but also reflect the values and priorities of the St. George community as it navigates the challenges of growth and conservation.