Showing posts with label SUWA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SUWA. Show all posts

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Seasons and Times are a Changin'/ Bear Essentials 9/12/2019



Happenings in the West
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SJC Transparency in action

Recording of 9/4 SJC Commission work meeting

Recording of 9/4/ SJC Commission Meeting


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Agenda for Sept 17 Commission Meeting at bottom of page (in Monticello)


~~ Spanish Valley Residents Push Back on Commercial Development

~~Freedom of Information Act Search-- Requires Patience and Longevity

Kudos to Jim Stiles and Bill Keshlear for their tenacious digging!

~~ Utah Launches Optional Gun Safety Program in Schools

~~ Trust and Training Range Land Exchange in SW Utah 

 Counting the Costs

~~ Proponents investigate Splitting the State of Washington  

Some believe "splitting Washington would be a win-win scenario for rural conservatives who live east of the Cascade Range and urban liberals who live in western Washington."

~~ BLM Purchases Private Land to Better Protect Desert Tortoise

~~ Climate Change A Power Grabbing Scam  Free Range Report



~~ Counties Demanding Federal Land Reimbursement 

~~ Judge Rejects SUWA's Involvement in Kane County Public Lands Case

San Juan Record: 
      "This landmark case will move forward, but with a significantly limited role for SUWA after Waddoups wrote, “SUWA has no legal right to be in this case.”
“It was clear SUWA had the intent to take a lead role in this litigation – a lead to which it had no right to take,” Waddoups writes. “A lead that could well harm the actual parties who do have a right to be before the court.”
       The judge stated that SUWA filed actions that delayed progress on the case. In fact, it was SUWA’s role in delaying the case that may have triggered Judge Waddoup’s ire. The judge writes of one particular instance, “For over two years, Plaintiffs’s time and resources were taxed as they addressed SUWA’s defense before the Utah Supreme Court on an argument that ultimately was struck down as absurd.”

~~ All Things NAC -Confronts Maryboy's Fake History Concerning Bears Ears 

~~ Blanding City Council Takes Official Stance on Civility in Meetings



~~ How Tribal Sovereignty Really Works,  by Jack Ahasteen

"How Tribal funding REALLY WORKS...
As President Jonathan Nez stated before the US Congressional Committee on Appropriations which regulates expenditures of money by the government of the United States,
"....the Navajo Nation seeks to strengthen the sacred trust relationship and Assist the Navajo Nation in furtherance of self-sufficiency and tribal sovereignty...."
Sovereignty?....funded by the American tax payer??? How is that possible when the annual tribal budget is completely dependent on the US taxpayer?"

~~ Liberal Activists Work to Change the Color of Conservative States

"Outside groups are organizing an army of liberal activists around the country to campaign for local races in states where they don't live. Organizers said the spending is strategic, honing in on states and specific seats where they can have the most significant effect. The top targets include Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina."

"To Coloradans, the strategy looks familiar. Republicans almost entirely controlled the state power structure until 2004. That's when a group of four wealthy Colorado Democrats — Tim Gill, Rutt Bridges, Jared Polis, and Pat Stryker — teamed up with political strategist Al Yates on a plan to transform the local politics. According to a 2008 article by the Washington Examiner's Fred Barnes, the group targeted vulnerable Republican incumbents, creating pop-up activist groups drawing on support from labor unions and national liberal organizations. The project was a success. That cycle, Democrats won control of both chambers of the general assembly for the first time in over four decades. Two years later, they upped their spending and won the governor's office. The total tab for securing state control was reported to be $9.5 million, which was less than the average expenditure on a successful U.S. Senate campaign, but an enormous amount for state elections."

~~ Johnny Depp's Dior "Sauvage" Ad Draws Ire of Native Tribes

~~ Utah Dineh Bikeyah Intent on Playing the Racial Card

"“Anglo residents in San Juan County have learned that when dealing with conflict-avoiding cultures like the Ute or Diné peoples, who live according to principles of reciprocity, that aggressive, intimidating, loud and bullying behaviors work,” Benally said. “In most other border towns, Native Americans are treated respectfully, but in Blanding we are treated like outsiders.”


~~ Biased Reporting Stifles Truth in San Juan County

~~ House of Representatives Working to Cripple America's Oil Supply

~~ Couple Writes Graffiti in Tribal Area, then Posts on Instagram

~~ Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Faces Growing Suicide Rate for Youth

~~ Ribbon Cutting in Cameron, Snubs Some Groups

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Sept. 17 Commission Meeting agenda 117 South Main Street, Monticello

9:00 A.M. Work Meeting

1. Follow up discussion with Library Director regarding a possible property tax increase for the library fund - Pat Smith, Library Director
2. Discuss McElmo Creek Bridge repair agreement with NDOT - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
3. Review amendment to Road Agreement with USFS for emergency road repairs - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
4. Review an application for San Juan County Planning & Zoning Commission - Walter Bird, SJC Planning & Zoning
5. Discuss Planning Issues in the Spanish Valley Area - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
6. Discuss Maintenance / Building Issues - Monty Perkins, SJC Maintenance
7. Discuss comments to be sent to various federal agencies regarding the designation of a part of the west-side regional energy corridor through San Juan County - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
8. Updates - Jerry McNeely
9. 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. A RESOLUTION POSTPONING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE OF WATER REVENUE AND REFUNDING BONDS AND PROVIDING FOR THE PUBLICATION AND POSTING OF NOTICE OF THE PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICE OF BONDS TO BE ISSUED.
4. Approve Comments to be sent to various federal agencies regarding the designation of a part of the west-wide regional energy corridor through San Juan County - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
5. Ratify amendment to road agreement with USFS for emergency Road Repairs - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
6. Approve McElmo Creek Bridge repair agreement with NDOT -  Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works
7. Approve Planning & Zoning Commission Member - Walter Bird, Planning & Zoning
8. Out of State Travel request - Linda Simmons, SJC EMS Director
9. Approve Board of Equalization Recommendations - John David Nielson, SJC Clerk & Greg Adams, SJC Assessor
10. Beer License Renewal - John David Nielson, SJC Clerk
11. Commission Reports
12. Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent Litigation

Saturday, August 17, 2019

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











~~ (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 AnnouncesChanges 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?


Thursday, November 29, 2018

Election Fallout and New Attacks on the West

Worth a Reread or Full 1st time Read: 

A “MONUMENTAL” CHANGE: San Juan County Embraces Industrial Tourism

           …by Jim Stiles

Moab's Main Street: Is this our goal? 



Good News Bears

--Farmers Almanac Forcast for this winter:

~~Wildlife-related recreation on BLM land boosts Utah’s economy by $79.1M



Bad News Bears


~~Imagine a country that often has a corrupt authoritarian government. In that country no one knows about checks and balances or an independent court system. Private property is not recognized in that country. Neither can one buy or sell land. Businesses are reluctant to bring investments into this country. Those who have jobs usually work for the government public sector. Those who don’t have jobs subsist on entitlements that provide basic food.  Where do you think that closest Sovereign Nation is?  And how many Native Americans face this tragedy?
Be sure to read this whole article.  There is much that needs to change.
    "Native Americans receive more federal subsides than anybody else in the United States. This includes subsidized housing, health, education, and direct food aid. Yet, despite the uninterrupted flow of federal funds, they are the poorest group in the country. The poverty level on many reservations ranges between 38 and 63 percent (up to 82 percent on some reservations), and half of all the jobs are usually in the public sector. This is before the crisis of 2008! You don’t have to have a Ph.D. in economics to figure out that one of the major sources of this situation is a systemic failure of the federal Indian policies."  Author: Andrei Znamenski


~~With all the problems Salt Lake City has, somehow their Mayor, Jackie Biskupski, seems to be overly concerned about San Juan County.  Follow her Blog for more craziness

~~Public lands in Worse Shape than Privately owned Lands  True Conservation impossible without property rights. 

~~AS CALIFORNIA BURNS, JERRY BROWN TAKES HEAT FOR VETOING 2016 WILDFIRE MITIGATION BILL

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

~~BEAR ESSENTIALS: August 7, 2018



In the News 

n  Democrats Don’t Fear Kavanaugh, They Fear the Constitution

   San Juan County Primary Election Still a Topic of Concern
         A Very Close Race Leaves Many Shaking Their Heads









n  Free Range Journalist Lassoed by Mustang Joe

Congratulations to Joel and Majorie on their wedding, and new life in La Sal as bonified San Juan County residents! Majorie is looking for a writing/or teaching job.  If you have any leads let her know.  marjoriehaun@yahoo.com

. . .Thousands of CNN viewers came away thinking there were virtually no health care facilities on the reservation portion of San Juan County. That kind of disregard by CNN for the facts, by deliberately editing them out of the narrative, could be construed as its own form of bias and discrimination against the one Native American (Eva Ewald) in the van that had the facts right.”
Blanding Mayor talking politics with Jim Stiles

n  Grazing Allotments and National Monuments Get Informed and Involved
Information for Ranchers: Here is a list of challenges that ranchers face when trying to graze on lands within national monuments. Not surprisingly these challenges have led to dramatic reductions in grazing:
1.      --You can’t use materials on the monument – this means you can’t cut cedar posts to repair fences from land nearby. -- must transport all materials from range improvements to your allotment, which leads to …
2.      --You can’t use mechanized equipment or motorized vehicles to fix water lines or fences. Even if you could…
3.      Infrastructure and roads are not maintained. --The gravel pits inside the monument were no longer available, and the Monument has never had workforce out maintaining roads.
4.      Land managers will use rules and regulations to try to squeeze out private landowners to acquire inholdings left in the monument.
5.      --You will likely be required to fence off riparian areas.
6.      --You will have to fight for your water rights.
7.      --You will have to fight to make any range improvements or to build facilities like bigger holding pens.
8.       
Note from Site Manager: “If you don’t engage in this process, you can be assured that those who don’t want you grazing these lands will be there every step of the way fighting against you. We’re here to help fight for you.” Benjamin Burr @ Rangeland Strategies.com  




 



Grayeyes lists an address on Piute Mesa near Navajo Mountain as his residence. He was born at the location and has argued that his umbilical cord, buried soon after his birth, establishes his residency according to Navajo tradition.”
In Moab when construction began on the multi-million dollar “elevated bikeway” in 2013, I contacted the BLM to ask about environmental assessments and efforts to involve the public in the process. The BLM’s Katie Stevens informed me that there had indeed been an EA and a public comment period—in 2004—more than eight years earlier, and that no one commented. No one. THAT’s how projects like this succeed. Apathy.”  . . .” Many issues in this county deserve serious scrutiny and analysis and discussion by the local media. All I did was to provide hard facts that very few people were previously aware of. Like I said in my reply to Mr Haven in 2014, “What the citizens of San Juan County do with that information is entirely up to them.”  Jim Stiles
n  Conservation in the West Polls; Do these Questions seem slanted?  Check out each state, questions asked and results.
The survey, conducted in eight western states, explores bi-partisan opinions in each state and for the Rocky Mountain West region concerning conservation, environment, energy, the role of government, trade-offs with economies, and citizen priorities. 

Majorie Haun:  "Conservation in the West" survey is a propaganda tool to push an industrial recreation agenda.”
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n Read Past Editions of Bear Essentials at: http://beyondthebears.blogspot.com/
Documenting Bears Ears Controversy and Public Land Issues since July 2016