(Leah Hogsten | Tribune file photo) Every year Best Friends welcomes visitors and volunteers to their animal sanctuary outside Kanab. It has purchased 1,637 acres of trust lands that had been proposed for a sand mine at Red Knoll. The $6.3 million deal will prevent the land from being mined, which could pose a threat to the society's famous animal sanctuary nearby.
Brian Maffly has worked for The Tribune off and on since 1994. Maffly roams Utah, covering public land and environment.