3 ms·
I frequently visit the area of the future (present?) Bears Ears National Monument. It is interesting to hear people say "traditional uses" of the land out there
by blackguardx 9y ago
I frequently visit the area of the future (present?) Bears Ears National Monument. It is interesting to hear people say "traditional uses" of the land out there. Each person has their own definition. The problem is that non-native people didn't live out there until relatively recently. For example: how can cattle grazing in a desert be considered traditional if it has only happened for 100 years or so? It is a desert, after all, not a lush grassland.
Also, the propaganda that calls this a "land grab" is misleading. The land was already owned by the federal government. They aren't taking anything. Yes, they are placing restrictions on use (which will negatively impact me, btw), but the popularity of the area has exploded just in the last few years. I don't think the current "free for all" (which is fun) approach can continue forever.
The only thing that concerns me about national monument status is that they might try to make it into a Disney Land experience like the other national parks. It would be ruined in my mind if they created giant paved RV campgrounds with flush-toilet bathrooms.
Find a copy of the book "Desert Solitaire" for a better written summary of the issues out there. My views track pretty closely with the author's.