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
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 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

 

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!

~~ Six Candidates Move On in Moab City Council Race

~~ 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

~~ Science Should Take Precedence Over Political Agendas

~~ Separate Town Hall Meetings Address Simmering Controversies

~~ BLM Renovating/ Upgrading Virgin River Recreation Area

~~ $4 Million in Drugs Seized on New Mexico Reservation

~~ Grand Staircase Plan Developing In Spite of LItigation

~~ NTEC Purchases 3 Coal Mines in Wyoming

~~ 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

~~ Two Serious Accidents on Moab's Main Street

~~ Zions Overcrowded for Labor Day Weekend

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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

"Be Nice" Revival -- Following Divisiveness in Meetings Bear Essentials 8/30/2019

Life Beyond the Wasatch Front

~~ Incendiary Provocations Close Doors, Undermine Bridge Building

~~ Election Integrity: America's Biggest Issue

~~ New York Times Trying to Rewrite History to Fit Its Biases

~~ Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Loves to Hate the Electoral College

~~Massive Rock Fall in Zions Injures Three Hikers

~~ Commissioners United in Ending Lawsuit Concerning Redistricting

~~ Two Town Hall Meetings held Recently: Monticello and Mexican Water

    The objective and balanced reporting in this KUER article is appreciated.

~~ New Dinosaur Dig South of White Mesa  KUER

"Just south of Blanding, researchers are excavating seven giant dinosaur vertebrae. They are part of a 70-foot-long diplodocus skeleton that will be on display at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County."

~~ Patagonia Shame Patch/ Public Lands Council 

     The Public Lands Council iron-on clothing patches are designed to cover the logo on Patagonia merchandise and cure “Patagonia Shame.” These patches were developed in response to the profit-driven marketing efforts of multinational retail corporation Patagonia, who promoted false claims about national monuments in the wake of the recent decision to appropriately scale Bears Ears and Grand-Staircase Escalante.

Visit http://publiclandscouncil.org/ to get your patch today!

~~ Gavin Noyes Claims Concerning Cultural and Political Divide: 

 "The issue is that the white people live in the north, and the Native American people live in the south, and those are two different worlds that don’t interact."

~~ Accusations from M. Maryboy Fly in the Face of Open Meeting Concept

  Quotes from Mark Mayboy's rant at Aug. 23 meeting, Mexican Water Chapter House 

Here are a few moments from Mark Maryboy's unprovoked rant at the Mexican Water chapter of the Navajo Nation Aug 23 during a town-hall meeting (comments were directed at a handful of San Juan County residents – of group members only one was male, several were Navajo – who drove down from the northern part of county).

Maryboy was scheduled to talk about water rights at the meeting, according to its agenda (below). He went off script. Two reporters were there – Zak Podmore, from The Salt Lake Tribune, and Kate Groetzinger, from KUER radio in Salt Lake City. Both have access to national media. It's likely Maryboy knew they were there and would report his every word.

Maryboy is a board member of the Salt Lake City-based activist group Utah Dine Bikeyah and Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance and a long-time advocate of creation of Bears Ears National Monument. He's been quoted extensively as an authoritative source in hundreds of regional and national reports published by the nation's most prominent news outlets.

* Navajos on the BLM's Bears Ears advisory committee are "tame Indians" just trying to get something from "white Mormons."

* To a questioner who suggested she and Maryboy might be related through an aunt: "She's too ugly to be related to me."

* “All I can say is that you have an idiot aunt,” Maryboy used that adjective several times.

* A question on November's ballot about possibly changing the way county commissioners are selected came from "racist Mormons from Blanding and Monticello."

* The petition was pandering to "illiterate" Navajos.

* “Red-neck Mormons is what they are … They are probably all members of the Ku Klux Klan.”

* “Which part of the Ku Klux Klan do you belong to?”

* “If they don’t let the Navajos (govern) … all I can say is go back to Missouri where you came from.”

~~ Zak Podmore's SL Trib's Version of the Mexican Water Meeting Aug 21

Response by Nicole Perkins after reading his article: " 

"I didn't know that Zak was a such an adept gymnast. He has really mastered those backflips and somersaults, twists and handsprings as he carefully danced and twirled his way oh so delicately around Mark and his rantings. Fascinating performance with quick turnabouts as he savagely painted a red target on the back of a Navajo lady with such masterly, dastardly precision. I give it a 10 for his fairytale performance but sadly a 1 for actual journalism."

~~ Worsening Road Conditions on the Navajo Reservation

~~ Is Johnny Depp's "Sauvage" Perfume Ad Appropriate Use of Sacred Land?

~~"Facebook Bias Regarding Conservative Views, Alive and Well"

~~ Hikers Have Adverse Effect on Elk

~~ SL Tribune Gehrke Spews Racist Remarks about San Juan County

          Does this look like San Juan County is Racist? We (Hispanic, Navajo, Anglo, Ute) all joined together in 2016 because of what was being done to us and our county because of Pres. Obama's excessive declaration of a 1.9 M acre Nat'l Park...7/27/2016 Senator Lee and other State officials spoke and people from all walks of life, and cultures spoke and were listened to.

~~ Old News in case you missed it: Conservation in the West/ Nat'l Geographic Article: 

“It is encouraging and inspiring to see Congress renew America’s long, bipartisan tradition of conserving lands, wildlife, and waters, bolstering rural economies, and guaranteeing public access to the outdoors for the enjoyment of all,” said Molly McUsic, president of the Wyss Foundation, whose founder the Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based businessman Hansjörg Wyss announced last autumn that he was giving $1 billion to the cause of conservation. Wyss and McUsic are hopeful that strong support for the Dingell Act might serve as a wakeup to the Trump administration in realizing that environmental protection is a winning position. This passed in March, and affected several parts of Utah

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Description/Agenda: SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING Sept. 3, 2019

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING - COMMISSION ROOM
AGENDA

  9:00 A.M. Work Meeting

1. San Juan Stampede Update - Karah Nay, Rodeo Director
2. Review of Draft Agreement between the Bureau of Land Management and San Juan County regarding law enforcement services - Sheriff Torgerson
3. Briefing regarding a possible request for a Library Fund tax increase for 2020 - Pat Smith, Library Director
4. Review a request to purchase a truck for the Public Works Department - Ben Mussselman, Public Works Director
5. Discuss contract modifications with the U.S. Forest Service regarding cattle guard installation and certain road treatments - Ben Musselman, Public Works Director
6. Discuss a resolution authorizing outside legal counsel to file cross-appeals to 2019 appeals filed by taxpayers subject to central assessment - Kendall Laws, SJC Attorney
7. Discussion of a possible employee compensation study - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
8. Follow up Discussion of a resolution regarding oil and gas leasing on Bureau of Land Management lands near Hovenweep National Monument - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
9. Updates - Jerry McNeely, SJC Liason
10. 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. Accept the 2018 financial audit findings - Jon Haderlie, Larsen and Company
4. Approve new pay schedule for sworn officers in the Sheriff's Office - Jason Torgerson, SJC Sheriff
5. Approve the Public Works Department truck purchase -Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works Director
6. Approve contract modifications with U.S. Forest Service regarding cattle guard installation and certain road treatments - Ben Musselman, SJC Public Works Director
7. Out of State Travel - Paige Wray, USU Extension
8. Approve a letter of support for a SITLA range improvement project - Nick Sandberg, SJC Planning
9. ADOPTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SAN JUAN COUNTY, ACTING AS THE GOVERNING BOARD OF MEXICAN HAT SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT, OF A PARAMETERS RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE ISSUANCE BY MEXICAN HAT SPECIAL SERVICE DISTRICT OF A WATER REVENUE AND REFUNDING BOND IN AN AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $200,000 AND CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING RELATING THERETO
10. Approve a resolution authorizing outside legal counsel to file cross appeals to 2019 appeals filed by taxpayers subject to central assessment - Kendall Laws, SJC Attorney
11. Approve a resolution regarding oil and gas leasing on Bureau of Land Management lands near Hovenweep National Monument - David Everitt, SJC Interim Administrator
12. Commission Reports
13. Executive session to discuss pending or imminent litigation
14. Approve resolution designating individuals to participate in mediation on behalf of the Commission with regard to attorneys' fees owed to the Navajo Nation

Do You Suffer From PLES or Because of it?

PUBLIC LAND EXPANSION SYNDROME

By Kelly Green

Public land expansion syndrome is addictive and the continual craving for more and more territory is never ending.  Thus PLES continues to cause ongoing damage to America’s public lands and to nearby communities in rural Utah. To keep the expansion going and the addicts hooked on obtaining more and more land from the federal government, outdoor retailers have specific marketing strategies with the goal to increase profit and keep their product alive and well for the environmental crowd. They collaborate, join, and infiltrate various NGO’s by getting on boards to influence public opinion.  This strategy ensures that the goal of acquisition continues. 

By giving sizable donations to promote the expansion of public lands, these donations are then used as seed money with NGO’s, to entice people to come out and buy their products and subscribe to the organization. Bears Ears National Monument is the latest promotion focal point and companies like Patagonia, Black Diamond, and others, benefit financially in the fight to “ Stand with Bears Ears .” The eco minded crowd are enticed to buy these products not only as a status symbol, but to show solidarity for the environmental movement because they think they are helping the cause.

Propaganda to “ Protect “ the environment from the threat of climate change stirs strong emotional response among followers and they are eager to believe, without critically looking at all the facts. Photoshopped images showing out of control mining operations or oil wells pumping away next to pristine vistas are common advertising strategies. These false images and exaggerated articles (for advertising purposes) are used to attract new followers and also help bring in more donations from the general public. 

Utah Diné Bikeyah, Friends of Cedar Mesa, and Southern Wilderness Alliance have used oil well pump jacks cropped into local scenery to stir up environmental concerns. These organizations are encouraged to lobby for political favor.  In addition, they hire attorneys as legal experts who can then initiate litigation against County, State, and the federal government for cash settlements, attention, and slowing down any potential commercial activity. The constant pressure to fight these frivolous lawsuits has devastating effects upon local communities and counties who depend upon public land to live-- thus rural Utah has become a targeted casualty. Schools suffer, roads decay,  services diminish, and families suffer.

When questioned about the economic loss of existing industries in rural communities, the patent answer by these groups is usually "tourism is the way to economic prosperity because it is a cleaner industry." Escalante National Monument visitation has increased 63% over the last decade with 1.1 million visitors from October 2017 through September 2018, according to U.S. government figures. The impact visitors are having on the landscape is having devastating effects.  Prior to its designation, with other industries as the mainstay, the overall impact on the land was much less. 

Public Land Expansion Syndrome is a danger to rural America because the end result is the destruction of higher paying jobs and the unraveling of the social fabric that communities traditionally inherit through generational residency. Young people are forced to leave due to economic hardship. The Nonprofit hierarchy get rich by the legal actions they implement and rather than improve communities, they systematically destroy them. Escalante, and Moab, Utah are two classic examples of how this impacts communities. Neighbors to the south who reside near Bears Ears Country, are worried this same problem will occur for their communities.

Public Land Expansion Syndrome creates more problems than it solves. The Federal government cannot maintain and manage what they are currently responsible for. Budgetary shortfalls for basic infrastructure repairs are at the breaking point. Parks like Zions, Arches, Escalante National Monument, and other national treasures are all examples of overwhelmed spaces because people are coming in droves. The strain affects local communities in a negative manner because infrastructure is taxed beyond what can be provided.  This leaves local taxpayers to foot the bill. Ironically, in Moab, growth has exploded because wealthy investors are moving in from other states and buying up less expensive property and building expensive homes. This raises taxes and improves revenue, but sooner or later infrastructure costs for water and sewer are impacted beyond what they can provide and costs for growth is taking an ugly toll. 

Ironically, continual lobbying goes on for more and more, “ protected “ public land. Another tactic used for diverting the serious influx of people by the Public Land Expansion Syndrome crowd is to blame others. Users like 4x4 enthusiasts and UTV riders are identified as the problem. Those who sympathize with the NGO’s are often active in local politics and constantly lobby against those who use the roads and trails for motorized travel on public access. They constantly try to redefine what is appropriate and have no qualms about keeping out those with different recreational tastes from enjoying outdoor activities like camping and motorized travel. 

Public Land Expansion Syndrome is at the core of the problem. Changing the rules to allow only one type of user over another unfairly discriminates. Recently, Utah Congressman Mike Lee and Orrin Hatch  tried to change the rules,and they received a lot of criticism by both the environmental community and the motorized recreational users over this controversial bill. The 1964 Wilderness Act prohibits the use of any form of “mechanical transport” in wilderness areas-- keeping motorized vehicles like cars, dirtbikes, ATVs and aircraft out of these areas. The Congressmen proposed that non-motorized vehicles be allowed. The Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Areas Act would give local land managers the discretion to allow mountain bikers into wilderness areas  However, this sets a dangerous precedent for discriminatory land use for all Americans. Here again, if allowed, more and more people will want to go into areas that have not had that level of increased human activity. Public Land Expansion Syndrome discriminates because gives preference to one user over another.

It is time to stop the fallacy that a tourist driven economy is cleaner and has less impact on the land than other industries. Tourism's exaggerated claim of being a better alternative has not panned out in terms of financial security and a better way of life for rural communities. The sustainable economies promised based on industrial tourism perpetuate poverty among the working class. Unintended consequences show that housing has become more expensive and wages fail to rise in meeting the demand for affordable shelter. Workers cannot bear the high expense to live in the communities they once thrived in. To compensate, businesses that operate in tourist heavy enclaves bring in foreign workers and provide seasonal work in dormitory type quarters that are unsuitable for families. Local home rental prices are beyond what is reasonably affordable so people work several jobs.

Quiet outlying areas are seeing rental property increase as workers move further and further away searching for more affordable housing. Traffic on two lane rural roads has increased exponentially as longer distances are now normal just to get to work. Some outspoken voices have advocated forced wage increase by business owners, but owners hesitate to do so as this jeopardizes their competitive edge and will drive tourists away. Tourism pays much less than what you find with other jobs in the private sector. Mom and Pop businesses struggle to find dependable help. Supply and demand for workers will continue to be a struggle because temporary seasonal workers are filling the gap for now.

Meanwhile, continual attacks on extraction industries such as mining, oil, logging, and ranching, continues from the Public Land Expansion Syndrome crowd. Eliminate the competition and you're the only game in town.  One business that has been overlooked or ignored as a bright spot in communities are small ranching and farming operations. In terms of direct impact, the industry is much cleaner and is more reliable long term. Generations of ranching and farming families have been able to thrive and continue a way of life that is truly sustainable and has much less overall Impact on surrounding public land. In today's world you will find such businesses scattered throughout America and especially in rural Utah. Joint collaboration between the ranchers and farmers with federal agencies have created sustainable jobs that provide income to families in a competitive market as compared to tourist jobs.

Another problem that Public Land Expansion Syndrome creates is the loss of useable lumber and wood gathering due to the devastation of fire. Juniper and other forest land is not able to be managed properly because various environmental organizations bring legal action to stop any kind of tree removal or management where insect blight needs to be controlled. This also affects wildlife as the loss of habitat kills hundreds of different species when out of control wildfire occurs.

The damage occurring on an environmental and societal level are a diversion to hide the ugly problems that Public Land Expansion Syndrome is causing. Non-Profit entities have created well paying jobs for themselves along with outdoor retail corporations but don't care what it does to rural communities. If it was once about protecting the land, that is no longer the case.

Kelly Mike Green
Lifelong resident of Southeastern Utah.

For more insight watch Peter Metcalf, Black Diamond: Managing the Environment