Founder of Patagonia Decries "Funhoggery" of Recreationists

Yvon Chouinard says the outdoor life-style thing is leading to the death of the outdoors.

NICK PAUMGARTEN’S PROFILE OF YVON CHOUINARD in the Sept. 19 issue of The New Yorker magazine is being widely circulated and causing quite a stir.

Excerpts: "Chouinard recognizes there are limits to the ethos and pathos of conquest, and while funhoggery can be a medium by which young recreationists are eventually transformed into conservationists, every individual, like it or not, bears personal responsibility to refrain from consuming the rare, finite, and few remaining wild places merely because we can.  One does not get a free pass to exploit while one is young, based on the premise that it might conceivably lead one to take up the cause of conservation later.

There is power in self-restraint. Native Americans knew one iteration of its discipline through the act of counting coup—demonstrating warrior bravery and honor not by taking the life of an adversary but by touching the foe and backing away.  Often, the lament from mountain bikers and pack rafters is: “Well, why should we have to put up with restrictions if hikers or equestrians or anglers don’t?”

That, of course, isn’t the right question yet it marks the point of separation between recreation and conservation.  The right question is what must all users do—what will they give up— to insure the character of wild places remains?

If Greater Yellowstone is going to maintain its wild character, for wild creatures and places that can’t advocate for themselves, what will it take to keep them from ruination, from  becoming reflections of Moab or the Front Ranges of Colorado and Utah?  What little wildness remains is all there is, but given prevailing attitudes, for how long?  How much time it has is up to us."

“Warning: Parts may be unsettling, especially to those who believe that, by merely engaging in outdoor recreation or owning toys, they are, through some kind of strange osmosis, advancing the cause of conservation.”

“But this I know after writing about Greater Yellowstone and environmental issues for 30 years: More than ever before, outdoor recreationists, surrogates for some of the biggest outdoor toy manufacturers, are pressuring land management agencies to force the opening of ever-greater access to wildlands now functioning as refugia for solitude-seeking wildlife and which have not had to cope with many people.”  Canyon Zephyr

Read the full article.https://thebullseye.media/yvon-chouinard-co-founder-patagonia-says-need-stop-death-wild-outdoors/

Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition a Non-governmental Organization with no Jurisdiction

The San Juan County Commission approved a resolution on October 4 regarding the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition proposal to create the Bears Ears National Monument. The county resolution states that the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition is a non-governmental organization that has no jurisdiction over land-use planning activities in San Juan County.

The county resolution outlines several key points that Commissioners say are roadblocks to the creation of the proposed national monument. The resolution states that a number of property rights exist in the proposed monument that do not meet the definition of public lands, including 43 grazing allotments, 661 water-right infrastructure, 151,000 acres of state trust land, 18,000 acres of private property, and hundreds of miles of roads and infrastructure which are granted a RS2477 right-of-way.

The resolution adds that the proposal violates at least 18 established planning efforts, including a Memorandum of Agreement with the Navajo Nation. The resolution states that the coalition’s assertion of “rampant looting” conflicts with reports of local and federal law enforcement agencies.

In summary, the county resolution states that the proposal does not meet the “quality, utility, objectivity and integrity standards that are required of federal agencies for decision making.” It asks that the federal government follow existing federal law, which rules out an arbitrary and unilateral designation of public lands.

The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition has asked President Barack Obama to create the Bears Ears National Monument using the Antiquities Act.
The proposed monument could be as large as 1.9 million acres, or 38 percent of the entire landmass of San Juan County. The resolution was approved unanimously by the Commissioners. It is part of a report on the proposed monument that was created by consultants at Stillwater Technical Solutions.

The report outlines procedural requirements, governmental prerogatives, and the required statutory process that would be required for the designation.
The county will present the report to elected federal officials in Salt Lake City on October 10 and to Department of the Interior officials in Washington, DC on October 12.

Locking up Land Would Impact San Juan Schools

In case some of you are still thinking San Juan County Schools won't be affected by a National Monument. Here is a likely scenario, written and prepared by long term school board member Merri Shumway. 

 "Here is an answer about Resolute Natural Resources. Resolute makes up 1/3 of all centrally assessed property in San Juan County. Other Oil companies, gas, mining and gravel together make up another 1/3 of all centrally assessed property. Centrally assessed property is 3/5 of our total local property tax revenue. There are numerous other small centrally assessed properties. (Ironically the Navajo Tribe is in the process of buying Resolute Natural Resources, the biggest tax payer in the county.)

Essentially our funding for schools could be down as much as 50% when we lose Resolute and if we lose access to the land that supports the other 1/3 of centrally assessed properties. What we would have left to tax is: is motor vehicles, personal property, real property (buildings) and real property (land). It is not legally possible for SJSD to raise the tax rate high enough to make up for these losses. 

I am not in favor of raising taxes in any event, but people in our county will have to get used to having far less services for their school children. The realities are really very grim. After I wrote and passed the resolution with Utah School Boards Association opposing the monument we had a discussion in our local school board meeting. We still have some work to do to help some understand that SJSD will be in a state of emergency and will just not have enough funding to pay for a quality education for our kids. We will lose kids in our schools because jobs here will be lost. Smaller schools result in fewer academic and extra curricular offerings for kids. I am currently working with Matt Anderson with Sutherland Institute to put information together to address the State School Board to urge them to pass a resolution opposing the monument."

Learn why a Bears Ears national monument would be especially devastating to the schoolchildren in San Juan County. 

Watch this Video, Visit our Schools; See our Concerns

Take the Time to Understand the PLI and the Congressional Process

Instead of watching a movie this week, take time to listen to the Utah PLI hearing.                           PLI Hearings September 2016

Overview of film: Rebecca Benally represented San Juan County well, and concisely presented the concerns and issues her constituents care about. Mr. Ure talked about Utah Trust lands, SITLA. Mr. Koontz represents Ride With Respect, out of Moab. The BLM was represented, The Nat'l Forest Service, and also the Ute tribe. All were given 5 minutes. 
The chairman effectively corners Ms.Lopez-Whiteskunk as she does not honestly explain the role of the coalition. The chairman, Mr. McClintock, also asked many good questions, yet kept the hearing moving in a timely manner. You will learn the names of many people that could/should be written to, who don't quite have the big picture of what a designation would mean -- Mr. Lowenthal and Mr. Kornze for instance. 

If you wish to read the 215 page document, here is the .pdf download link. http://robbishop.house.gov/uploadedfiles/utah_public_lands_initiative_act.pdf

First annual San Juan Freedom Fest affirms opposition to the Bears Ears National Monument

Published on San Juan Record Facebook site. Article by Devin Bayles Hancock

Local individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations, in partnership with Sportsmen’s for Fish & Wildlife, Utah Cattlemen’s Association, and San Juan Farm Bureau, held the first annual San Juan Freedom Fest on the evening of September 22nd. This festival included acts by country singer and songwriters, Darryl Worley and Charley Jenkins, and Navajo Comedian Pax Harvey. The goal of the concert was to bring more attention to the opposition of the Bears Ears National Monument and government overreach of western public lands.

The National Guard opened by presenting the Color Guard, and high school student, Eva Perkins, singing the national anthem.

The festival started off with Native American dancers and drummers performing a rain dance. These entertainers displayed customary Navajo clothing and beautifully danced the Fancy Shawl Dance that is a Northern style dance that originated from the Ponca Tribe back in the 1920’s. It’s also known as the Butterfly Dance, displaying poise and grace. Navajo native of San Juan County, Toni Dee and her daughter, Kerri Martin, participated in this dance. Other dancers include Xavier Martin and Edgar Haskin. Two other dances were performed called the Grass Dance and the Jingle Dress Dance, both healing styles of dance.

Emma Holliday, accompanied by Hayley Seiter and Annette Adams, with Mark Bake on the guitar, beautifully performed I See Fire by Ed Sheeran.

Ryan Benally, son of Commissioner Rebecca Benally, welcomed the performers and spectators, saying, “My mother wishes she were her, but has asked me to speak on her behalf. I thank each and every one for all they’re doing. I appreciate the unity of San Juan County residents. We are strong against a national monument with one mind, one voice. I will continue to fight for all San Juan County residents.”                   

Navajo comedian Pax Harvey amused and emceed the festival. His fun approaches and statements had everybody laughing hysterically.  On a more serious note he expressed, “Federal Government is trying to take over 1.9 million acres of land to build the Bears Ears National Monument. This impacts thousands of families within the area that are Native Americans and non-natives. “The Navajo, Hopi, Ute, Haulapai, Apaches, and the Pueblo’s along with ranchers that live in the area are gaining support and letting the people know this needs to stop! We need to protect our natural resources, animals, water, air, and sacred sites.

Kara Laws with Charley Jenkins.  Kara has been very active in the No Monument effort this summer, as creator of the web site and energy behind the concert. http://www.savebearsears.com/petition/

“The San Juan Freedom Fest is to gain awareness and build a stronger supportive effort to protect the Bears Ears from becoming a national monument.”The talented Charley Jenkins opened for Darryl Worley. Both famous country singers engaged the crowd with smiles, laughs, hoots, and haws. The day started of cloudy and promised rain, heavy winds, and cold temperatures. Surrounding areas of San Juan County were experiencing down pours, flooding and even a small tornado. By show time the air in Blanding was nearly perfectly still, and the skies cleared.

County Commissioner Phil Lyman said, “It was a perfect night for a very special concert. Pax Harvey was hilarious, and the Native American dancers were awe inspiring. I’ve seen Charley Jenkins in concert before, but never as powerful as tonight; and Darryl Worley did more to lift the spirits of this mall close-knot community than anyone could have imagined. The event exceeded expectations in every respect.”

Resident Mandy Warner added, “I was on my way home after the concert. The heavens opened up and it poured like crazy! It was such a great night and the weather was great!”

Marjorie Haun, Darryl Worley, Monte Wells, and Phil Lyman and Jody at City of Blanding.

[Marjorie Haun's column as ReaganGirl, has been a huge help to our local efforts, as she is on the forefront of breaking news and has helped to promote the truth in land issues throughout the US.]

Approximately 1,000 people attended the event.  Items that were auctioned include a one-day, two-person guided canyoneering trip with gear from North Wash Outfitters, a guitar signed by Darryl Worley & Charley Jenkins, three yards of cement from Holliday Construction, a Browning .300 Win Mag w/ Synthetic Stock from Sean & Lynn Giddings, and a painting of Sow and Two Cubs by Toni Lacy.

Items from the Silent Auction include a one-hour flight over Bears Ears from Jason and Kara Nay, a Younique Make-Up Gift Bag, an Illuminated Moments Photo Package, and patriotic artwork from San Juan Pharmacy.

Raffled items include a metal photo of Wooden Shoe &; Bears Ears and of the State Flower by Kay Shumway, a maroon wedding vase and blue eagle vase by Cedar Mesa, a Pendleton Native Design Bag from Merri Shumway, Heaven's Avenue Walnut Signs by Mandy Warner, a Bear Plaque and Twin Quilt from Enchanted Treasures, a Baby Tricot Quilt made by Rosalie Payne, a Bears Ears Photo Collage by Brooke Pehrson, a Firehouse Ruin Photo by MacNeal Crank, Bears Ears Quilted Wall Art by Debbie Christiansen, and overnight stay at Hat Rock Inn and Dinner for Two at Swingin' Steaks compliments Joy Howell, NuSkin Gift Bags, and carpet cleaning by Kevin Black.  Raffle was orchestrated by Wendy Black. 

Utah's Native Tribes Want Jobs, not Federal Paternalism

“Mr. Long and many members of the local Navajo, Ute and Paiute tribes say that the designation would destroy their livelihood and their culture. Most of the land included in the plan is owned by the federal government and controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. But today farmers can grow crops and graze cattle in Bears Ears. There’s some mining and oil and gas drilling, too. Though backers of the monument say grazing could continue, residents of the area fear even that would, at best, turn into a bureaucratic nightmare.”

Wall Street Journal

Naomi Schaefer Riley

“The locals would not have a voice anymore,” worries Clayton Long, a Navajo Indian and teacher in San Juan County, Utah. He’s referring to a campaign aimed at creating a new national monument of 1.9 million acres nearly in his backyard. Proponents are lobbying President Obama to protect the area around Bears Ears, twin buttes where Native Americans have long performed cultural ceremonies and gathered herbs to cook traditional foods.

Mr. Long and many members of the local Navajo, Ute and Paiute tribes say that the designation would destroy their livelihood and their culture. Most of the land included in the plan is owned by the federal government and controlled by the Bureau of Land Management. But today farmers can grow crops and graze cattle in Bears Ears. There’s some mining and oil and gas drilling, too. Though backers of the monument say grazing could continue, residents of the area fear even that would, at best, turn into a bureaucratic nightmare.

On Wednesday, tribal representatives, along with all of Utah’s delegation to Congress, delivered a series of letters to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell outlining their opposition. As Sen. Mike Lee told the crowd assembled on Capitol Hill: “A wealthy man’s playground should never come at the expense of a working man’s home.”

In principle, the designation of a national monument would do more to protect the tribes’ sacred ground. There have been reports of vandalism, and Mr. Long says he has heard rumors about grave robbing. But the question is whether that additional protection is worth the restrictions on recreational and economic activities.

The campaign to create a monument at Bears Ears is funded, at least in part, by California environmentalists. The Hewlett and Packard Foundations donated $20 million, according to the Deseret News, and the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation chipped in. Similarly, many of the Native American leaders who support the monument are not from the immediate area. The Bears Ears InterTribal Coalition, a group in favor of the designation, touts support from the Pueblo of Zuni, N.M., and the Hopi Tribe of northeastern Arizona.

Bear Ears Benefit Dinner & State's Rights Program Sept. 17

What to expect to learn at the Bill Howell Program

This is the chance to learn how to incorporate reason, and logic into our fight for land. Emotions are not sufficient to win battles. This is a summary of what to expect on the 17th. From Bill Howell: "The core object of this approach is to demonstrate to the audience that regardless of what the feds may call a given parcel of land, the obligation for disposal remains in place; and, since disposal is expressly delegated under the Constitution, disposal is the "supreme law of the land."

Bill Howell: "I plan to begin with a few very brief remarks about monument designation, Bear's Ears. Very brief because, as you may know, I put little stock in the idea of protesting or even commenting on current actions of the feds including monument designations, RMP's, travel management plans, and etc. I consider these "opportunities for input " as "balm for the masses." In my mind, these "opportunities" serve only to validate federal dominion and supremacy. An occasional concession to local interest does not alter this fact. I have refused to play the game of the four C's for decades now. In my view, the only fight worth fighting is that which demands divestiture. Divestiture "cures" all the other "evils." For these reasons, I see no need to expend much time on the monument or potential monument process.

1. I think it is worthwhile to discuss briefly how to think (not what to think) about the text of the Constitution since this instrument is the foundation upon which the federal role regarding public lands is based.

2. Since the Property Clause is at the center of this issue, I introduce the clause early and will return to it later in the presentation.

3. Legislative history of the Property Clause. The legislative history of any statute is integral to an understanding of the laws."

You Can't go Wrong with these Three Great Performers

Obama's Version of Indian Removal Act

The latest front in a debate over the reach of U.S. control of federal land is a 1.9 million-acre retreat of mesas and canyons located in Utah’s poorest county.The stakes are large for this remote land, which President Barack Obama is considering designating as a national monument, in his continued pursuit of being the most prolific conservationist to ever occupy the White House.

But for the local Native Americans who live near the land—known to them as Bears Ears—and depend on it for sustenance and cultural tradition, the debate over how to best preserve it feels smaller, but no less important.

“Bears Ears has a lot of meaning to me,” said Marie Holliday, a 72-year-old resident of Monument Valley in Utah’s San Juan County who belongs to the Navajo tribe.

Added Holliday, in an interview with The Daily Signal:    Our people have used the land for generations. With my grandmother before she died, we would go across the San Juan River to graze [livestock]. In the fall, people start to go out there to get firewood to heat their homes for winter. We use the herbal plants that grow there to heal sickness. A lot of our ancestral ruins are buried there. It really is a beautiful place.

(READ MORE) http://reagangirl.com/national-monuments-obamas-own-indian-removal-act/

TO BLUFF SITLA LAND SALES PROTESTERS

Published in San Juan Record, 9/14/2016

Let me get this straight.  As proponents of a 1.9 Million acre National Monument which promises to preserve the cultural heritage, ceremonies, and history of Native American Coalition tribes from ARIZONA, you are worried about 640 acres of said land, that would be utilized for the same purposes by another culture group?  

I know you promote that the lands of the Anasazi are “sacred” and their ancestors need to be able to return, enjoy, and have shared experiences.  This is the same reason why the Hole in the Rock Foundation seeks to use a tiny portion of 1.9 million acres, and they aren’t even asking the Federal government to maintain it, hire rangers to patrol, or go more in debt to do so.  I know you would be welcome to continue your hikes, even when it becomes “privatized.” HITR knows you wouldn’t vandalize it or desecrate it, though it would have to be scheduled, just as it will be, should this vast area becomes a National Monument.

The SITLA lands near Bluff are going up for bid.  You should hope and pray it is HITR that gets the bid, as they are notorious for turning the other cheek, biting their tongues, and working hard to be good neighbors.  That might not be the case with other bidders. Who knows, it may be some big investor, hoping to capitalize on the hordes of tourists that a National Monument will bring.  That’s what you should be concerned about.  

Janet Wilcox, Promoting the history and shared heritage experiences of all San Juan county culture groups

Idahoan Gives Advice on State's Rights in Land Management.

Those who support the Transfer of Public Lands should understand a few basic facts:

1. In order to be truly sovereign states, each state must manage the lands within their own boundaries. 
2. The transfer of these lands has already been promised to each state in their enabling act.
3. States have been shown, over and over again, to manage their public lands better than the federal government.
4. Those who live in and rely on the lands know best how to manage them.

In his recent article in the Post Register, Orson Johnson said it beautifully.

In his article, Johnson explains how anti-hunting sentiment could lead to anti-hunting laws on a federal level if lands remain under federal government control:

According to my research, about 5 percent to 6 percent of the U.S. hunting age population actually hunts wild game (compared to 16 percent in Idaho). Some 16 percent of the U.S. population is opposed to hunting. The rest are neither strongly for nor against hunting. In our increasingly urbanized society the percentage of hunters will likely continue to diminish and non-hunters and anti-hunters will likely increase.

A number of animal rights and anti-hunting organizations are more than willing to restrict or ban hunting altogether. They have a much better chance of accomplishing their goals on the federal level than on the state level. In some cases, hunting and other activities have already been restricted by the endangered species act, the clean water act or by federal agencies. The power of a very vocal minority, whether you agree with their agenda or not, has increasingly shown that it can sometimes impose its will on the majority. Anti-hunting laws have little chance of being enacted in a state like Idaho. But they could be imposed on the federal level. In that case the states would have little chance of overturning those regulations.

Johnson goes on to explain how the federal government could very likely succeed in enforcing such restrictions:

The most likely scenario is by fiat from one of the increasingly powerful federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Bureau of Land Management, or the United States Forest Service. Federal courts also sometimes “enact” legislation from the bench. These forms of legislation continue to take decision making power away from state and local governments. This trend seems likely to continue.

Johnson is absolutely correct. More and more we see our Constitutional rights taken away as elected officials forget the checks and balances that were carefully crafted by our Founders. Those checks and balances are not only between the Executive, Judicial and Legislative branches of government, but even more importantly, between the federal government, whose powers are intended to be "few and defined", and the states, whose powers encompass everything not explicitly given to the federal government by the people. 

We will give the final word to Mr. Johnson, who understands that, though states are prepared to financially manage their own lands, there is far more than economics to consider when it comes to who should be managing the lands within your state.

It has been said with some justification that the states do not have the resources to manage the huge acreages that the federal government owns in most of the western states. But with our staggering and rapidly growing federal debt, it may not be long before the federal government will no longer have the resources to manage these lands either. In any case, even inadequate management by the state may eventually be preferable to the restrictions of an increasingly powerful and autocratic federal government.

---

Johnson was raised in Idaho Falls. He is a fourth generation Idahoan.

SEPT. 17 BILL HOWELL STATEHOOD TAILGATE DINNER & RAFFLE

BILL HOWELL STATEHOOD TAILGATE DINNER
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17th @ 5:30-7:30pm
WHERE: South parking lot at the SJH School
WHY: To unite our community, the vicinity and any others who want to save San Juan County and help preserve our rural freedoms against the proposed Bears Ears Monument -AND- to raise money for the movement! And what better way to unite us than through food!! 
One meal includes: yummy pulled pork, a roll, salad, dessert and a drink.
PRICES PER MEAL:
ADULTS - $10
KIDS - $7

IMPORTANT:
After dinner, at 8pm, we will have the privilege of hearing from Bill Howell who co-authored "Statehood: The Territorial Imperative" with Bill Redd. He has worked for the Southeastern Utah Association of Local Governments in Price since 1974, is an avid defender of States Rights issues and has dedicated a large part of his adult life helping to educate citizens. So please, if you are able, stay after the dinner to get educated on these issues! But if circumstances only permit you to come to the dinner, please do so! For the sake of all of our families and this great land that we live in, PLEASE COME SUPPORT THIS CAUSE!   Tickets for some great raffle items will also be available. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated and will make a HUGE difference, especially for the upcoming San Juan Freedom Fest on the 22nd of September. Charlie Jenkins and Darryl Worley will be there to perform for us and help promote this worthy cause! It's going to be amazing!
To buy tickets for the tailgate dinner, please text me or Nicole Perkins with your orders. Checks can be written to "The Bill Redd Statehood Foundation" or abbreviate "BRSF".
Emma Holliday: 435 419 0079
Nicole Perkins: 435 485 0214

BLM considering trail plans for controversial Recapture Canyon

BLANDING — The Bureau of Land Management is considering proposals for the future of the southeastern Utah canyon where a San Juan County commissioner led an ATV protest ride that landed him in jail.

The BLM's call for public comment on an environmental assessment of a proposed trial system in Recapture Canyon outside Blanding comes nearly 10 years after San Juan County applied for a right-of-way to allow motorized off-road access.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865662110/BLM-considering-trail-plans-for-controversial-Recapture-Canyon.html

“We are at the beginning of great troubles” by Phil Lymam

Published in Free Range Report: "President Obama’s consideration of designating the 1.9 million acre Bears Ears National Monument begs the follow-up question: “If the President can unilaterally designate this Monument, despite opposition from every level of government, local, State, and federal, what can’t the President do?” It is not so much a matter of doing the right thing or the wrong thing as it is about having authority to do the thing at all. From whence cometh this presumed authority? Certainly not from the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. These documents, along with the  Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederacy, were a practical and well organized set of internal controls designed specifically to guard against unrestrained power. So while we argue the pros and cons of a monument, we lose the much more important discussion dealing with those controls."  Read more:  

 http://freerangereport.com/index.php/2016/09/01/editorial-we-are-at-the-beginning-of-great-troubles/​ 

Comments written in defense of Commissioner Phil Lyman whose article was printed in The Free Range Report: 

By Carl Kimmerle:  "The founding fathers created a government with three separate branches of government in order to create checks and balances. We were supposed to have an elected legislator to create laws and an elected executive to enforce the laws, then a jury of our peers when facing a trial. It no longer works that way! We have BLM and Forrest service agencies that usurped ownership of 92% of our land. They do not have a single elected official. They create laws like a king, and enforce them the same. when we are accused of breaking their make believe laws we are hauled to federal court far away from our homes and given a trial by crooked judges and a jury not of our peers but foreigners. In such a trial evidence is not presented but hidden….and then people like you say good riddance and throw more of us in jail. It was people like you that hailed tyrants like Hitler, cheered as they arrested political dissidents and allowed the destruction of freedom and goodness.

A German Pastor, Martin Niemöller (1892–1984) wrote about the cowardice of German intellectuals following the Nazis’ rise to power which seems relevant to you and your philosophies:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”   Carl Kimmerle Sept. 2, 2016

------------

My response: Carl, I’ve thought often of that very quote by Martin Niemoller as this battle over land has evolved. Those who weren’t concerned at first, because it didn’t directly touch their lives, didn’t get involved. I have to admit, I was that way when the Escalante Grand Staircase National Monument was deceitfully designated, without any thought to lives, economy, freedoms, or land rights. I didn’t live there, nor did I know anyone who did. But then I met two people who grew up there, with families who had multi-generations of investment in the land. They shared their stories with me and I started to realize the aftermath of such Executive decisions.

I learned that presidents often use the Antiquities Act for “pseudo” support in such designations, and do so because of pressure from wealthy environmental lobbies.  One of these is Conservation Lands Foundation headquartered in Durango, Colorado.  This is how they see the Niemoller’s truism playing out in state after state: 1.  The “Monument Men” come with promises “that all is well; you won’t be affected." 2. then they destroy logging businesses (mining, oil, coal, etc.) 3. Then they reduce the AUMs for cattle. 4. then they decimated small local businesses (which happened in Garfield county) 5. This in turn affects school enrollment, and families are driven away from the rural life style they and their ancestors loved and worked for all their lives. Like Hitler, the CLF has a vision of what life should be; but unlike Germany’s despot who tried to create the “perfect race,” the CLF's perfect world is devoid of people — except in large cities, of course, which would be the ultimate punishment for most of us who love rural Utah.  Rural space for the CLF is only for recreation, not for livelihood.

Nothing Better than a Blue Mountain Reunion

[Janet] Though both Steve and I grew up in the farmlands of southern Idaho, we have learned to love San Juan County and have lived here since 1970. At first it seemed barren, dry, and too rocky. But It is Home to us now. We love the open spaces, the clean air, the slower lifestyle and the varied landscapes which includes farms, forests, mountains, pastures, canyons, buttes, lakes, open spaces and small towns.

Central to our core beliefs is a love of the land. Steve was raised on an irrigation farm, and myself on a dry farm, so we’re used to getting dirty and working hard. We have raised not only a large family, but a great deal of our own food ever since we moved here, plus we share with others. We are conservationists in that we try not to waste water, produce, time, energy, or belongings. We and our neighbors have been putting things we don’t need on a give-away corner at 1st South and 3rd West for eight years now.

This mountain range has been a beacon of hope, home, and harmony to all cultures in the county.

Being very frugal, our family reunions and activities were usually centered somewhere in the camping areas of San Juan. Traditionally we have been tent campers, without modern conveniences that modern man (woman) seems to think they can’t live without, though that has changed a bit the last 15 years.

Besides family campouts, our family has participated in multiple Boy Scout Camps, Girls Camps, Cub Scout camps and Fathers and Sons outings on the mountain. Some of the places we’ve camped include Bulldog, Lake Powell, Wolf Cave, Cottonwood, Blue Mountain Guest Ranch, Buckboard, Camp Jackson, Recapture Reservoir, Nizhoni Campground, Johnson Creek, Chippean Ridge, Devils Canyon, Foy Lake, Elk Mountain, Lloyd’s Lake area, Dry Wash, Abajo Haven, Red Butte, and Foy Lake. We have loved those experiences, and have done our best to camp and recreate in harmony with the surroundings and teach our family and others to leave places better than they were found. 

Read more at:
http://www.savebearsears.com/steve-janet-wilcox-family-the-mountain-has-been-a-provident-mother/