' J 0 i V i PAGE 19 THE ZEPHYRJULY 1991 how to taka advantage of a favorable opportunity when one presents ttaaif." For Its part, Utah clamored to attach title to school lands around the Moab area, since most were yet unsurveyed. If known to contain mineral wealth before a survey, the state could only receive 38s of the royalty for the schools. But, If the state could attach title before the mineral value had been discovered, they would have a chance at 100 of the royalties for the school system. As Grand County faced 1926, they did eo with hope and promise for a successful future. "With the advent of the year 1926," said the Times. "Southeastern Utah faces the most alluring prospects In Its history. Now that oil in commercial quantities has been discovered in the vicinity of Moab, this part of Utah will rapidly forge to the front as one of It was the richest and the most populous sections of Utah." That was Moab's hope-e- nd based not solely on the success of oil, but In partnership with agriculture, livestock, recreation and tourism. For a time, the face of Moab did change to accommodate an oil boom, but the town would wait another 30 years before the uranium boom would arrive with enough magnitude to forever change the complexion of the Moab valley and its surroundings. What of the Shafer No. 1? Drilling continued, but water flow from a higher elevation could not be controlled. Oil and gas continued to be encountered but recrystallzatlon of salt was a continuous problem. Drilling was finally suspended when the casing collapsed. Developers remained encouraged by this first attempt Other wells were drilled, but no gushers were found. In the process of oil exploration, other resources were discovered: helium, natural and potash, which created new potentials for development Unexplored country was gas, brought to the attention of hundreds of new eyes who were tantalized into further exploration. In 1925, the people of Moab hoped that they could have It all: the wonders of nature, farming, livestock, tourism, recreation, and the economic gains of mineral, oil and gas development The richness and fortitude of the landscape seemed limitless. The dream was strong. Many of the dreams of 1926 are realities today: river recreation, potash development, but our experiences have taught us that there are limits. Even the BLM recognizes that multiple use does not mean that every use can be made to be compatible. We know that there Is a value In our land and our wildlife that defies economic reasoning. Still, we want It all. As a society we are even more dependent on oil and gas than we were in the 20's. Our tax dollars are stretched beyond their limits and the economic viability of our county is a delicate thread strung across the wildness of our land. We are looking for a balance, but our ability to agree on a satisfactory equilibrium remains as Illusive as the dream of oil that was shared by the "wildcatters" of the 20'a. V I- rj y t. Castle Valley Inn Perhaps the only thing better than watching the moonrise over the dramatic red spire of Castle Rock is to watch it while soaking in the hot tub at the Castle Valley Inn. An excellent operation..." Americas Wonderful Little Hotels & Inns Relax in sophisticated comfort admidst some of the Canyonlands most splendid scenery. Seven rooms, most with private bath ($42-75fine dining for registered guests, eleven acres of orchard, lawns and fields. Grandview hot tub ... Full breakfast included in room rates. ), Innkeepers: Eric and Lynn Forbes Thomson. CVSR Box Photos of the John L Shafer No. 2602, Moab, Utah 84532. 801-259-60- courtesy of Clara Shafer 1 CANYONLANDS COMMUNITY RECYCLING For more information, call 259-507- 7 or 259-768- 0 A 0 b ,u ft foo yf. t" ,40 J 2 , '77 ' a : it i" Cabinets, . Box 1806 Castle Valley Star Route Moab, Utah 84S32 0 tew 1 (WCPS r 6- - (801) v vflpQpjvj tv. - 259-729- 6 X'- ' Furniture, Doors and Custom Interior Finishing, custom homes,; f x additions, remodeling