Conflict and Compromise: Bears Ears Reflections

By Janet Wilcox 

(Published in the San Juan Record Dec. 20, 2017

Ironically the theme for this year’s National History Fair is Conflict and Compromise. I’d say San Juan County knows a bit about such things!  Conflict has become an abundant commodity in today’s news; unfortunately, Compromise is much less forthcoming. Southern Utah is no exception to the imbalance of these positions.  Many alarmist voices appear bent on forcing capitulation rather than compromise, as they defend their position, even when it means using hyperbole, false narratives, and speculation.

I often wonder if such folks handle their personal lives in the same way?  Within families do we rant and rave, and stomp our feet when we don’t get our way?  Do we respond as spoiled children?  Do we name call, and use derogatory slurs about those who disagree with us?  Or do we rise to higher ground and talk about options, possibilities, and seek a consensus, or compromise?

Fifty years ago on a cold Idaho morning, Steve & I were married. Eventually the cold turned to a blizzard, but it was still a day to remember.  At the time I assured my father that Steve and I had many things in common and that we were a great match. Both of us came from farming families where everyone was expected to work.  Our religious beliefs were the same, as well as our love for the outdoors and for children. However, even with those and many other commonalities, we’ve still had our share of minor and major conflicts.  

One such event happened about five years ago, when we had saved up enough money to finally build a 2^nd level deck with a fire escape for the upstairs bedrooms.  I was keen on having it cover most of the patio area below, thus providing more shade for those hot summer cookouts. In addition, I envisioned an expansive area for grandkids and their summer sleepovers.  However, my very frugal husband, thought such extravagance was wasteful, and unnecessary.  Many conversations were held complete with tape measures, estimates, and pictures. Finally, our patient contractor built the deck, part of it with railings and a solid floor, and the other half, as a pergola with open slats.

At one of our first socials, someone asked why we build it that way; “Why didn’t you finish the deck out?” And I answered, “That’s what a compromise looks like.”  Neither of us got exactly what we wanted, but we each got something we could live with.  

Such is the dilemma facing San Juan County.  Do we keep on fighting, or accept and work with the designated compromise? Neither side of the Bears Ears debate got exactly what they wanted, yet we all got something positive.  However, many strident voices continue to defame the President, the Sec. of Interior, duly elected State and County officials and any county citizen they don’t agree with. Has compromise ever been part of their formula? To read some of their sensationalized stories, you’d think our public lands had been shipped off to Mars, or a bomb had dropped on them, eradicating any sign of access. Should the ability to outshout, disparage, and buy power and control, outweigh civility and discussion in these matters?  It would seem that conservation combined with compromise, and communication are better tools to use when making decision which affect neighboring lands, lives, and livelihoods.  We may not get exactly what we want, but surely, we can learn to live in harmony, and horzo and let rancor die a natural well-deserved death.