I was present to record the meeting and I'll let you know some of my thoughts and observations. Louise I'm sure will "officially" comment later.
It was interesting and highly informative. It was mediated by Penny Mabie who in my opinion did an excellent job of keeping the participants on target.
Kevin Oliver, from the BLM discussed numbers from the Salt Laydown Project over the years and the importance of the Salt Flats to the BLM and his expectations from the summit.
Louise Noethe shared the 'racers" point of view in a frank and straight forward manner. She pulled no punches.
Eric Rogers from Intrepid shared insights into their mineral extraction program.
U of U professor Dr. Brenda Bowen discussed the complexity of eco system of the salt flats. An interesting part of this was towards the end as scientists define the crust as one thing and the racers define the crust as another. Louise helped to define the two with the use of a cake. To scientists the crust is the cake extending rather deep. To the racer, the crust is like the frosting, just what's on top. While some were saying the crust was very thick, others said it was thin. A case of not exactly understanding what each others perceptions were.
The discussion then moved into the proposals put forth by the Utah Alliance and Save the Salt. The proposals were explained by Dennis Sullivan. They were then discussed in detail between all parties.
Again, I'm sure Louise will share the Utah Alliance observations of the meeting. With that said, the racers were represented by an impressive group including the individuals mentioned above, but also Tom Burkland, Larry Volk, Mike Cook, the SCTA, SEMA and others. I have to say that I had never met Russ Eyers. He is highly knowledgeable and VERY articulate. I am certainly grateful he is a racer! He was extremely persuasive with some powerful comments.
Overall the meeting, in my opinion was very good. All participants were frank and direct. I came to a better understanding of how difficult this process is going to be, and it is. However I also gained confidence and respect for those representing the land speed racers.
RCKirby