Isolation Travels To San Juan, 3-27-2020

Spring in San Juan:  Sun, Snow, Rain, Wind, and Tourists!

News Affecting the West

~~ Broken Arm Slows Down Newsletter.
        On Feb. 18, while moving boxes, I missed the bottom step and fell, breaking my right arm, upper humerus.  A week ago I finally healed enough that I could use my keyboard again, but I'm not back to normal. Hence the lack of a Bear Essentials newsletter for over a month.  We are also in the process of selling our home, and moving to a smaller property, so things have been very hectic.  There are things still happening in the county.  Hope you are subscribing to the San Juan Record and staying informed.  Other state and national news outlets may not have the "full" story.  

~~ San Juan Record

~~Culture Displacement and Appropriation Impacts Bluff

~~ Catch up on the Canyon Zephyr 

-- Mellor Willie Co-founder of 7 Gen Leaders Political Pac

~~ Catch up on Bill Keshlear's MONUMENTAL DIVIDE

~~ Blanding Continues to Pull Together in Crisis

      Despite what outside sources may promote in the media, Blanding has for several years encouraged a cooperative approach to solving problems thanks to social media.  For example, a few weeks ago, our visiting son and family, lost a little lamb.  A Navajo worker on his way home happened to notice it, and seeing it had a collar, picked up the friendly little critter, and when he got home called the police.  

     About that same time our family noticed that Jacob was missing, and everyone joined in a search party to find the little lost lamb.  I posted the info on several Facebook sites, and within minutes a neighbor let us know that the police had it.  In less than an hour, the friendly wandering lamb was back home.  That's how networking happens in Blanding.  People keep track of their neighbors, and help out and even when you don't know them, you do the right thing.  That's what this young man did. 

Here is a list of local Facebook Groups which also help our community to function and help to unite all cultures, races, ages. Monticello has similar social media groups as well.  Many are open to the general public, others require a request to join. 

1.  Both Blanding Calendar  and Blanding Bulletin are set up to help notify citizens of events happening in the community.  

2.  Probably Blanding's 24/7 Yard Sale has united more people than any other site.   You'll find yourself buying and selling to folks you never knew before and new connections and friendships are initiated.  Just today (3/27/2020) this site sent out a notice that " Sara Lee and Packard Wholesale have donated about 700 loaves of bread, bagels and buns"  They were gone in 2 hrs...so it pays to pay attention.  

3. Good News Blanding has over 1000 members and is designed to promote those things of good report.  There's too much negativity in the world and in some people brains, so the site is designed to combat that.  Guidelines state: This Group is for sharing Good News happening in and around Blanding or accomplishments far and near of those with Blanding ties.

Post should be items that are timeless. Please DO NOT post items that should go on a calendar/ tryouts/ auditions/ADS, etc. It is not about memes, political views, or advertising, or debate and complaints.

This site is about being cheerleaders for good in the world and recognizing those events, people, and successes as we celebrate together.

4. One of the newest groups to emerge because of the Contra Virus impact, is Blanding Stone Soup.  Just started a few weeks ago, there are already over 400 people committed to helping their neighbors.  Started by a savvy social worker.  The premise of the group is this: 

"Stone soup is one of my favorite children's fables

It's about a village that was in the middle of a horrible famine. Everyone was hoarding and hiding the food that they had but it wasn't enough and they were all starving.

One day a man got a big pot and put it on a fire in the town square. He filled it with water and placed a stone from the river in it.

When he was asked what he was making he said stone soup and invited people to have some when it was ready.

One by one the villagers donated something they had hidden away that may make the soup even better. One had an onion, one a carrot, one a cabbage, one a piece of roast.... till the pot was completely full. They learned that by sharing what they had, they all had more and no one was hungry.

My sister had this great idea that got me thinking, none of us have everything but we all have something. Maybe you can babysit for someone who has to work, maybe you can pick up someone's groceries so an at risk person doesn't have to go in pubic or maybe you have extra goods that you aren't going to use or some knowledge that could help someone. This is the place to give as well as ask for help. This is a place for friends and neighbors to check in.

There are a few rules though:

No asking for money allowed. (as in "please pay my rent". Also this is not a selling group. You Can offer to pay for something that you are looking for and Trades are encouraged.)

No politics
No fighting
No judging
No spreading panic
No exceptions!

Jokes, songs, uplifting quotes or memes and all kinds of support and compassion are welcome and encouraged.
Please invite your local friends who should be here and who have the same spirit of community and pulling together.

5.  There are also lots of specialty groups and clubs in Blanding like the Blanding Book Group (which is self quarantined until further notice...however, a few have posted reviews of books on site. I'll focus on more of those next time.  

Both the Edge of the Cedars Museum, and the Wilcox family at 300 W. 100 S. have Free libraries where you can pick up books to read.  (There are also lots of books on our corner and other things that people have discarded, which are free for the taking. )

~~ Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Encourages all to Fast this Sunday With Offerings to Bless Others Worldwide. 

~~ First Case of Covid- 19 in San Juan County confirmed 3/27/2020

~~ Corona Virus Cases on the Navajo Reservation

~~ Now is Not a Good Time For Tourists to Visit Bears Ears  

Ironic that Josh Ewing is the source of this article. 

~~Rural Areas Targets of Social distancing.  High Country News

~~Podmore has hard time finding balance and objectivity in covering news: 

~~ Dangers of Self Isolating on Public Lands

   

Halloween 2019 Brings More Tricks, Fewer Treats Oct. 31, 2019

What's New In the West and San Juan County

~~ Concerns regarding Nov. 5 vote:  "Illegal electioneering is a class A misdemeanor and SJC election administrator should be scrupulously neutral."

Better get out and vote "Yes" before Nov. 5 
or you'll have yet another thing to complain about!

~~ Questions Arise Over Nov. Ballot Follow up by San Juan Record 10/28/19

~~ Solutions for Wild Mustangs? Japan and Mexico may Have the Answer  

~~ Utah Fire Fighters Head to California

~~ Nov. 5 Commission meeting Agenda

SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - COMMISSION ROOM
AGENDA
November 5, 2019

  9:00 A.M. Work Meeting

1. USU Extension Update / Personnel - Paige Wray, USU Extension Agent/County Director
2. Halls Crossing - Cal Black Airport Capital Improvement Plan - Kirk Nielson, Javiation
3. Halls Crossing - Cal Black Airport Development  Opportunities Discussion - Natalie Randall, San Juan County Economic Development and Visitors Services Director
4. Briefing on Proposed Zoning Ordinances and the Spanish Valley Land Use Status - Walter Bird, San Juan County Planning and Zoning Director
5. Aging Contract - Tammy Gallegos, San Juan County Aging Director
6. County Health Insurance Renewal increase - John Fellmeth, San Juan County IT Director/Deputy Auditor
7. Y.E.S. for Dine Bikeyah Sponsorship for the Naatsisaan Ultra and Monument Valley Kids Marathon - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
8. Eastern Utah Television and Technology Association Board Member Assignment - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
9. South Eastern Utah Regional Transportation Plan Cooperative Agreement - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
10. Letter to Bureau of Land Management Concerning La Sal 2 Well APD - Nick Sandberg, San Juan County Planning
11. Spanish Valley Updates - Jerry McNeely, San Juan County Liaison
12. Public lands updates - Nick Sandberg, San Juan County Planning

11:00 A.M. Commission Meeting

1. Approval of minutes - August 6, 2019
2. Citizens' comments to the commission* (Please complete the request form - available at the door)
3. Board of Equalization Adjustments - Greg Adams, San Juan County Assessor
4. Aging Contract for Approval - Tammy Gallegos, San Juan County Aging Director
5. New Hires - Walter Bird, San Juan County Human Resources Director
6. USU Dinosaur Museum Partnership Support Letter - Natalie Randall, San Juan County Economic Development and Visitor Services Director
7. Approve and Execute County Health Insurance Renewal Increase - John Fellmeth, San Juan County IT Director/Deputy Auditor
8. Letter to Bureau of Land Management Concerning La Sal 2 Well APD - Nick Sandberg, San Juan County Planning
9. Federal Partners Appreciation Letters - Nick Sandberg, San Juan County Planning
10. Ratify Purchase of John Deere Articulated Dump Truck - Randy Rarick, San Juan County Landfill Manager
11. Approve and Execute South Eastern Utah Regional Transportation Plan Cooperative Agreement - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
12. Y.E.S. for Dine Bikeyah Sponsorship of the Naatsisaan Ultra and Monument Valley Kids Marathon - Mack McDonald, San Juan County Administrator
13. A RESOLUTION EXPRESSING CONCERN AND OPPOSITION OF THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY NOTICE OF INTENT TO APPROVE THE SPANISH VALLEY AGGREGATE AND HOT MIX ASPHALT PLANT WITHIN SAN JUAN COUNTY
14. A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND UPDATING THE REMAINING REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNTY MEETINGS AND MEETING LOCATIONS FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE PURSUANT TO SECTION 52-4-202 OF THE UTAH CODE

~~ Senator Lee Makes Case for State Control of Public Lands

   “States like Utah have a proven track record of successful partnerships with the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management,” Lee said. “These partnerships have resulted in the restoration of millions of acres of high priority watersheds, wildlife habitat and rangelands. We need to continue to expand and encourage these kinds of efforts to allow states to step up and lead.”

Curtis said there are a “disproportionate” amount of public lands in the Western states and that the dialogue in Washington, D.C. often excludes the downfalls, such as a lack of property tax generated by those lands (often the main source of revenue for local governments) and a limited ability for economic development to take place. He called the situation “divisive,” and said the federal government is failing to adequately fund management of those lands, citing “two BLM agents in San Juan County, managing that entire area” as an example of where federal management has fallen short."

~~ Live Press Overview of this week's San Juan Record 

~~ Utah Company Awarded Timber Contract in La Sals

~~ A Letter in Favor of Better Government in San Juan County (SL Trib)

    Comments Regarding this letter were most Uncivil, yet the  SL Tribune blinks an eye, despite their policy:  

"The Tribune moderates comments to ensure the conversation is respectful and on topic. We do not allow comments that include personal attacks, threats, obscenity, vulgarity, profanity (including expletives and letters followed by characters), commercial promotion, spam, fake profiles, multiple accounts, incoherence and shouting.

"In addition, a comment may be removed if it is deemed to be uncivil, inappropriate, racist, sexist, homophobic, bigoted, blatant “trolling” or is not related to the topic at hand. While moderation decisions are subjective, our moderators try to be as consistent as possible. Generally, we will not allow comments to become bogged down with discussions of our moderation policy and activity.

"We encourage opinions and criticisms of our work; however, those criticisms must relate to the articles in question. Personal attacks against Tribune staff will not be permitted.

"The Tribune does not edit comments but it may respond to comments that contain factual inaccuracies."

~~ Nat'l Park Maintenance Falls Far Behind Needs

~~ Latest from the Sierra Club 

~~ Goats in the LaSals Get Grand Canyon Trust's Goat

Rustlin' in the Leaves/ Winds of Change Bear Essentials 9/27/2019

Fall The Favorite Season of All

Horsehead in Fall by Karly Halls, Monticello
****

 History of Commission Districts in San Juan County, Utah

By Gail Johnson, former San Juan County Clerk

Serving 9 years 1983-1991 

            Because history gives context and perspective to current situations, the history of commission districting in San Juan County bears repeating. And perhaps I know this history best because of my personal involvement. It is not my intention to fuel anymore contention.  Just give some history.

             San Juan County was the first county in Utah to have district county commission seats.  That was in 1984.  Up until that time, all counties in the state had a 3-member commission, each member elected at-large with two seats being four-year terms and one seat being a two-year term.

            The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a legal action against San Juan County in November 1983, stating that the at-large commission violated the federal Voting Rights Act even though the county was in compliance with state law.  I was county clerk at the time and was a defendant in the action along with county commissioners Calvin Black, Ken Bailey, and Bob Low.  These men have since passed away.  I attended  the meetings with the DOJ attorney as well as participated in the county's efforts to comply.  Contrary to some beliefs, the Navajo Nation was not party to this legal action.  The Tribe did however, participate in the process of establishing the original commission districts.

            Neither the federal judge nor the DOJ determined the boundaries for these commission districts.  It was left to the county to do that with instruction by the DOJ that communities and cultural areas were to be kept intact as much as possible while balancing the populations.  The intent was not to dilute the vote of any group of people and thus diminish their voice in the county.  The DOJ had to give final approval of the commission districts to ensure they were in line with the decree signed by the federal judge. 

            The county held many meetings to get input from  residents -- from Spanish Valley to Navajo Mountain to Aneth.  An informal county-wide opinion survey was taken to get public input.  From February through September of 1984, 13 districting proposals were presented by different organizations and reviewed thoroughly by interested stake holders.  This included UNDC (Utah Navajo Development Council) and the Navajo Nation.  Eventually, issues were resolved and a final plan was agreed upon by the various groups, and it was accepted by the DOJ.  The plan was also approved by county voters in the 1984 November general election.  Of the 20 voting precincts, Navajo Mountain was the only precinct opposed to the plan -- 53 "Yes" and 88 "No".  Commissioners were then elected from districts beginning with the 1986 general election.

            This original districting plan put the western portion of the Utah Navajo reservation with the western and northern portions of the county as Commission District No. 1.  Commission District No. 2 included the Blanding area and White Mesa. Commission District No. 3 included the central and eastern portions of the Utah Navajo reservation.  These three districts kept community and cultural areas intact while evenly distributing the population as much as possible as required by the  DOJ.

            Prior to this 1983 legal action, the DOJ had brought similar actions against neighboring counties in New Mexico and Arizona.  Also, subsequent to this action (May, 1987), Utah law was changed to provide for this new form of county government.  This allowed for San Juan County to be in compliance with state law as well. 

            I remember the commissioners were concerned about the western part of the Navajo reservation (Oljato area & Navajo Mtn.) being in a different commission district than the rest of the reservation.  They discussed it with Willie Greyeyes, then UNDC board chairman.  A UNDC resolution signed by Mr. Greyeyes (Sept. 6, 1984) endorsed the new plan: "...The Board of Directors of the Utah Navajo Development Council, after a thorough review of the alternatives and after hearing extensive input from the local Utah Navajo communities, herewith endorses the redistricting plan previously known as Proposal #8... and The UNDC Board of Directors is convinced that placing the Navajo Mountain and Oljato precincts in District #1 with the northern part of the County will prove to be in the best overall interests of both the county and its Navajo citizens..."  The Oljato Chapter passed a similar resolution on September 22, 1984.

            Proposal #8 placed Cedar Point in District 2 (central district) and White Mesa in District 1 (northern district).  Commission minutes of Sept. 10, 1984 state:  "Willie Greyeyes, Louis Tapaha, and Worthy Glover representing UNDC met with the Commission to present a resolution adopted by UNDC regarding commission districting.  The resolution adopts a proposal for districting which includes Navajo Mountain and Oljato in District #1 and includes Cedar Point in District #2...The Commission felt that the Cedar Point area should be placed in District #1.  Mr. Greyeyes had no objection to putting Cedar Point in District #1.  The Commission also felt that the residents of Navajo Mountain and Oljato should be consulted about this proposal.  Mr. Greyeyes stated that he is confident that Navajo Mountain and Oljato will support this proposal and vote for it.  Mr. Greyeyes stated that he has had contact with the people of Navajo Mountain and they are in favor of this proposal...."

            Two weeks later in commission meeting, a motion was passed modifying Proposal #8: "taking Cedar Point out of District #2 and putting it in District #1 to preserve community interest, and taking White Mesa out of District #1 and putting it in District #2 to preserve community interest. These changes would change the deviation to 7.8% from 4.9%."  Prior to this motion, the minutes state that Ron Faich and Donna Chavez, representing the Navajo Tribe, met with the commission and presented a resolution from the Navajo Tribal Advisory Council requesting the adoption of Proposal #8.  After some discussion, "Mr. Faich and Ms. Chavez stated that the deviation difference would be fine as long as the community interest is not split.  Ms. Chavez further stated that she is ready to recommend the changes ...Also present were Herb Clah and Worthy Glover representing UNDC.  The representatives present stated that the Navajo Tribe and the UNDC are recommending the above changes which will be called modified proposal #8 and are also asking that it be adopted by the Commission and placed on the November election ballot.  The representatives from the Navajo tribe replaced proposal #8 attached to the resolution submitted by the Tribal Advisory Council with modified proposal #8.  The representatives from UNDC also replaced proposal #8 attached to the resolution...with modified proposal #8...The commission stated that they feel that the modified proposal #8 best serves the community interest for each district..."

            This is how and why commission districts began in San Juan County. I was a witness to it.  These historical facts are documented in county records and federal court records.  Under the direction of the DOJ,  the county did everything required to comply with the Voting Rights Act.  There was no political or racial gerrymandering.  If that were the case, then the DOJ and the federal judge were party to it.

            In a letter to me from Herb Clah, UNDC  Executive Director (Oct 5, 1984) he said, "...We appreciate the willingness of the San Juan County Commission to work cooperatively with UNDC and the Navajo Tribe in resolving this issue.  Even though there have been some misunderstandings along the way, we feel that the efforts to communicate and resolve differences have been worthwhile."

            The road to consensus got bumpy quite often, but consensus was achieved.  Strong differences were resolved respectfully and professionally.

            In the October 24, 2011 commission meeting, Commissioners Phil Lyman and Kenneth Maryboy agreed to form a redistricting committee to look at the 2010 census data  to recommend any changes to the commission districts.  Commissioner Bruce Adams was not present.  That committee reported on November 14, 2011.   Two rural areas east of Monticello (Cedar Point and Ucolo) were moved from District 1 to District 2 to put populations back into balance. Thus not disrupting a lot of residents and preserving community interests as had been done previously.  Commissioner Kenneth Maryboy opposed this action preferring a complete redistricting of the county using census blocks rather than voting precincts.

            The Navajo Nation filed suit against San Juan County two months later in January 2012 alleging that the county commission districts were unconstitutional.   

            Again, documents show that the original San Juan County commission districts were created to comply with a federal court order.  These districts were created to give more opportunity to American Indian residents for political participation in county government.  These districts were created with the assistance and endorsement of the Navajo leadership. 

             It is unfortunate that misinformation by some has lead to divisiveness IN this county and misperceptions OF this county.  Historically the average county resident, American Indian and non-American Indian, gets along well with other county residents on a day-to-day person-to-person basis regardless of race or politics.  There isn't perfection, but in general there is respect.  There is cooperation.  There is personal service.  There are friendships.  There are shared grandchildren.  And, there are good people.              Gail Dalton Johnson, Sept. 2019

                                                        

~~ Kudos to the San Juan Record for their newspaper makeover!  More color, better organization, and information and a great new logo!   

List your favorite ten icons in the new county illustration and you will be entered into a drawing for a deluxe San Juan "swag bag", courtesy San Juan County Visitor Services. The drawing will take place on September 27.

~~ B. Keshlear's Analysis of Past and Present County Voting District Alignments

"Most conspicuously, Podmore’s brand of journalism seems ideologically driven. He has fearlessly targeted a conservative elected official who no longer holds county-level office and his dodgy decisions while in office but soft-pedaled coverage of incendiary remarks of liberal politicians. He has spread misinformation. "

EXCERPTS in article:  "(Many of the people attending the meeting, including Mark Maryboy, spoke Navajo. The organizer of the event and president of the chapter, Kenneth Maryboy, did not provide translation services for non-Navajo speakers in attendance even though discussions of county policy took center stage. Bold-face type indicates Maryboy's comments):"

~~ Lodging in Moab has Stirred up a Hornet's Nest  SL Tribune

Writers of the Purple Sage

~~ Reporters Must Dig Deeper for Full Facts When It Comes to San Juan

~~ Henderson Attends GRAMA HEARING

 ( Segment starts at: 2:35:30)

~~Popularity of Outdoor Motorized Recreation Increasing 

by Kelly Green 

      Recreation in the outdoors can be costly depending on what type of choice is of interest.  For those who like motorized travel as their activity, a new four wheel drive such as a Jeep Rubicon or Toyota 4Runner can start for as much as $40,000 to $60,000 and higher depending on added trail accessories. These vehicles can take you into some amazing places that most will never get to enjoy and see on Utah’s public land.  Every year during Moab’s Jeep Safari extravaganza, which happens around Easter weekend and lasts for around nine days, enthusiasts come from all over the country to challenge the trails in Southeastern Utah’s red rock country. Many auto companies and entrepreneurs come in to show off their wares for both advertising and sales. Tires, rims, winches, jacks, suspension kits, and many other interesting items are displayed for those who enjoy this kind of recreational activity and want to outfit their vehicles with something really special to enhance their rigs. Some users modify machines to turn them into beastly Rock Crawlers that can conquer just about any obstacle while others may be looking for a less extreme ride for a family outing and only want a few items.   Again depending on the type of accessory added, there is just about something for everyone. Mallory is famously quoted as having replied to the question, "Why did you want to climb Mount Everest?" with the retort "Because it's there,” that same desire for back country explorers could be included as people want to get out and see the public lands and with the miles and miles of trails and roads available, it is no wonder that the motorized outdoor recreational sport has grown. 

                              

2019 San Juan Safari

UTV and ATV’s

      The popularity in UTV and ATV use has grown in recent years because of the significant fact that they are cheaper and more affordable than larger vehicles. Improved engineering and reliability in the competitive market is proving that they are the poor man's best option to recreate in forest and desert terrain, which is one of the main reasons for its growing popularity.  A variety of accessories are also available and depending on how you want to dress it up for individual taste, a lot of different options are possible. Most UTV’s can hold two to six people depending on which machine is chosen and avid riders claim the ride in a UTV is much more comfortable than the bigger rigs. No matter what you choose there is something out there for just about everyone.  

     Since Moab and Southeastern Utah, is a proclaimed paradise for all sorts of outdoor activities, the Rally on the Rocks event is another popular destination spot for UTV riders. This annual event takes place on the famous Slickrock domes and nearby trails and is really gaining in popularity with the UTV crowd.   The event offers guided rides throughout the week and going with those who know the country and local history of the surrounding area is a real treat for those who want to get to know the area better. Famous trails like Hell’s Revenge, Poison Spider, Steel Bender, and many more attractions are a great way to see what is out there to test ones driving skill. The Rally on the Rocks organizers also are great contributors in helping to give back to the community as they have graciously given donations to various charities, which help improve the lives of people in Grand County. 

 Being Responsible Riders

     With the increase in popularity and more outside people coming into the area, the impact on the environment is a concern and the local people have started campaigns to educate about proper etiquette and responsible driving on local streets and highways as well as taking care of the surrounding desert landscape.   Most riders are conscientious about obeying speed limits and picking up their own trash but there are always a few who don’t, which give other law abiding recreationists a bad name. It first started with the “Throttle Down in Town” campaign, which was evaluated as being highly successful and this years educational theme is, “Do it Like a Local.”  Those who have lived in the Moab area for a long time offer suggestions for being safe and taking care of the public lands so everyone can have an enjoyable time while visiting. The terrain and hot temperatures can be treacherous and inexperienced drivers can quickly get into trouble if they are not careful and prepared. Extreme temperatures can quickly lead to heat exhaustion and drinking the proper amount of water needed is always stressed.  Slowing down in town and showing courtesy to everyone goes a long way to having an enjoyable experience for everyone.  

Street Legal UTV owners want fair and equal treatment 

Utah’s National Parks are accessed by state highways and county roads and millions of dollars are being spent by Utah taxpayers to  fund construction and maintenance of these roads. The Utah Legislature has been a leader in allowing certain types of OHVs to be registered as street-legal because they recognize the growing recreational popularity and economic benefits to the state and local communities.  To qualify, machines need to be modified to meet safety standards and must be insured. Owners of street-legal OHVs comply with numerous laws and regulations to be given the privilege to drive on a wide range of state and county roads and like all motorized users, they contribute to the maintenance of the state highway system through gasoline taxes and registration fees as well as paying for off road stickers for the development of infrastructure, trail maintenance, and other public land use projects.  

     Recently members of UTV Utah, have led the fight to open street-legal access to Utah’s roads and highways by sending a letter to Secretary of the Interior  Bernhardt, to ask for his help in getting the National Park Service to lift the prohibition of street-legal OHVs on the publicly accessible roads of Utah’s National Parks.  Even though National Park regulations say they should update their rules to comply with state law, the National Park Service has not at this point in time done so and it is felt by many UTV riders that it unfairly discriminates and it is time to change the policy. 

                 

Education and Responsible Use is Key

     

Because America’s public land has such a variety of  choices for the general public to enjoy, learning how to properly take care of the resource is going to be an ongoing challenge for those tasked with its longevity. For motorized recreationists education is key to preserving continued access on the public land.  Public agencies and private citizens need to continue to work together so the great gift of multiple use remains available to all who want to enjoy the outdoors. By educating the public and motorized recreational users about how they can be good stewards, everyone wins.

Kelly Mike Green  is a lifelong resident of southeastern Utah. Poet, author, grandfather, and outdoorsman, Kelly is a strong advocate for multiple use on public lands and is active in promoting a responsible and balanced approach for public land use.

~~ 2014  Doug Booth/ San Juan Safari  Video

~~ One Way Rural Towns Lose Local Businesses

 

Angst in August Generates Involvement; Bear Essentials 8/17/2019

Be sure to come: Listen, Ask, Learn

~~ Agenda for Aug. 20 SJC Commission meeting in Bluff: 9 AM & 11 AM 

Bluff Community Center(3rd and Mulberry)

9: 00 AM 

1. Discuss potential changes to interlocal agreement between Bluff & San Juan County - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
2. Discussion about a future trash drop box site in Bluff - Randy Rarick, SJC  Landfill Manager
3. Briefing on the countywide special election taking place this November - John David Nielson, SJC Clerk
4. Discussion of other issues in the Bluff area - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
5. Public lands updates - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning

11:00 A.M. Commission Meeting

1. Approval of minutes - August 6, 2019
2. Citizens' comments to the commission* (Please complete the request form - available at the door)
3. Consideration of the referability of an application for a ballot initiative submitted by San Juan County residents - John David Nielson, SJC Clerk
4. Approve new hires - Walter Bird, SJC HR Director
5. Discussion & possible approval of a sole source procurement for engineering services for cell closure for the County Landfill - Randy Rarick, SJC Landfill Manager
6. Discussion and possible approval for the Chair to sign a letter to the Bureau of Land Management with comments on the Canyon Rims Area Travel Management Plan - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
7. Discussion and possible approval of the Chair to sign a letter to the U.S. Forest Service regarding proposed rule changes - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
8. Discussion and possible approval of a resolution urging caution regarding oil and gas leasing on Bureau of Land Management lands near Hovenweep National Monument - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
9. Discussion and possible approval of a resolution authorizing the Chair to enter into an employment agreement on behalf of San Juan County with the future San Juan County Administrator - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator

~~ SUWA's Frivolous Law Suit, Followed by Appeal to Ut. Supreme Court

~~ Utahans Say They Want the SL Tribune to Survive but Only 25% Read It 

~~ Looking for Common Ground With No Common Compass

~~ Fire Warnings in Colorado and SE Utah: Don't Burn Anything

~~ (Note to SL Tribune: Stop Bullying

~~SECRETARY BERNHARDT TRANSFORMS INTERIOR’S ETHICS PROGRAM 

~~ Accomplishments: Bernhardt's first 100 Days as Sec. Of Interior -- Video

~~ Canyon Zephyr Digs out Recapture Protest info: Spring 2014 Parts 1, 2, 3

~~ Secretary of Agriculture Announces: Changes to Heavy Handed Sage Grouse Controls  Aug. 1, 2019

    "Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Paul Gosar (AZ-04): "The Obama administration imposed one of the largest land grabs in American history under the guise of protecting the Greater sage-grouse, a species that isn’t even threatened or endangered. Their real motivation was to lockup as much land as possible, preventing multiple-use activities like oil and gas production, mining, and grazing in the process. The Greater sage-grouse was simply the means to their end as the bird’s habitat comprises 173 million acres in 11 Western States. Secretary Perdue’s announcement is welcome news as it is the third and final piece of the puzzle in terms of reining in the sage-grouse overreach of the previous administration. I applaud President Trump and his administration for treating Western states as partners instead of forcing their political agenda down our throats like the Obama administration."  

~~ Unrest with Adakai Leadership 

~~ Follow: San Juan's Monumental Divide - By Bill Keshlear

~~ Tourism Only Part of a Diverse Economy: Letter to the editor by Bill Haven

~~ Legal Fees Continue to Mount in Litigious Environment 

"The roosters at the Tribune would like to take credit for the sun coming up in the morning – 18 months after the sunrise!" They finally run a related story. The San Juan Record has been consistent in reporting the cost of defending freedoms in San Juan County. 1) From February, 2018 2)From January, 3) 2019 Read full story

~~ Free Range Report: SJC Commissioners, Face $500 A day Fine For Stonewalling GRAMA Request

~~ Nothing Obama Declared Was About Co-Management

~~Democrats’ Plan To Nationalize Land, Using Land and Water Conservation Fund

~~ Tourism Over-runs Antelope Canyon/ Page Arizona

~~ Navajo Nation Council in Gridlock over Renewable Resources

~~ Hurricane City Council Discusses the Lake Powell Pipeline Project

~~Trail of Tears Damage by Forest Service in Coker Creek still not fixed

~~ Black Market in Siberian Dinosaur Skulls?

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Digging Deeper for Solutions/ Bear Essentials 8/1/2019

Impacts on the West and San Juan County

San Juan River at Sunset by Jeri Maryboy

~~ San Juan County Fair Starts this Friday, Aug. 3

~~ Commissioners Vote to End Gerrymandering Appeal

~~ No Futher Action on Redistricting Appeal  KUER

~~ Supreme Court Decisions and Local Implications        

~~ Utah to Take More Prominent Role in Managing State    Forests

~~ Moab Bans New Lodging

~~Fowlks to lead Western Fish, Wildlife group

~~Bears Ears Summer Gathering

~~ Transfer of Fed BLM Office to the West: An Idea Whose Time Has Come 

"The BLM has never belonged in Washington DC. It manages 247 million acres, almost half of all public lands, and 700 million acres of mineral rights, with a unique mission. The National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service, for instance, all have very specific uses, but the BLM is tasked with managing its lands for multiple uses, in numerous categories and under a wide variety of laws.

That includes 18,000 grazing permits, 220 wilderness areas, 27 national monuments, 600 National Conservation Areas, 200,000 miles of streams, 2,000 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, 6,000 miles of National Scenic Trails, 63,000 oil and gas wells, 25,000 mines, and 50 million acres of forests. Not a square inch of that is in Washington, D.C. It is in 12 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. It has never made sense for the leadership to work 2,000 miles away, insulated by the inevitably different perspectives of life inside the Beltway."

~~  No Black and White Easy Solutions in San Juan County   Canyon Zephyr

~~ Native Woman Warns of Dangers of Socialism  Video

~~ Conservative Lawyer Named BLM Deputy Director of Policy 

"Pendley is a prolific author. Among his books is “Warriors for the West: Fighting Bureaucrats, Radical Groups, and Liberal Judges on America’s Frontier.” It chronicles the efforts of Western state leaders and residents to fight environmental laws, according to a profile of Pendley from the Property Rights Foundation of America.  Pendley is also wrote “War on the West: Government Tyranny on America’s Great Frontier” and “It Takes A Hero: The Grassroots Battle Against Environmental Oppression.”

~~ Moab/San Juan Needs a Truck Stop

~~ USDA To Help Fund Water System Upgrades in San Juan County

~~New Farm Bureau Agent in San Juan County

~~Photo/ Video Project Focuses on Navajo Shepherds

~~ Reliance on Foreign Mining/ Minerals Must End

~~ San Juan and Commissioners at at Monumental Divide  by Bill Keshlear

~~ Why We Can't Support Patagonia

~~ A "Hole" Lot of Problems with San Juan County Roads

~~ Getting to the Heart of the Recapture Canyon Debacle 

 . . ."I was interested in obtaining public documents related to the controversial “Recapture Canyon Protest Ride” on May 10, 2014. In fact, the story goes back even further, to 2006, when two San Juan County residents were accused and convicted of building an illegal ATV trail across public lands and damaging archaeological sites. The trail was closed by the BLM, subject to review.: Jim Stiles

~~ Grizzlies, Wolves, and Cattle Are a Poor Ecological Mix

~~ Environmental Groups Call for End of Uranium Waste in the West

~~ Federal Government Bungels Chaco Canyon Facility

~~ Environmentalists Blast SJC Bears Ears Management Plan

San Juan Record 7/31/2019