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Show PAGE 22 THE ZEPHYR AUGUST 1990 the public lands watchdog The NPS: Policy and Employee Loyalty Price of Furs Dwindles for Trappers The trapping of animals appears to be on the decline, due mostly to a significant decrease In the value of the pelts. Since 1987, when a bobcat pelt brought an average of $309, the value has fallen below $175. As a result, the number of trapped bobcats has declined as well from 1100 statewide In 1988 to 835 In 1989. The value of other animal pelts has declined significantly as well. Some examples: fur-bear- ing According to Bill Bates of the Utah Division of Wlkfllfe Resources, there are several reasons for the decline. First, fur dealers overbought several years ago, expecting a big demand for their product When the demand never materialized, the large surplus sent the price down. The reduced demand was In part caused by a growing anti-f- ur campaign around the country and around the world. Slowly the movement Is changing peoples attitudes about furs and making them aware of the processes (such as trapping) that are Involved In producing fur products. But finally, Bates says that In recent years, Russian mink has become readily available on the world market In this case. It Is not a case of social consciousness winning the day, but a shift In the whims of fashion. Harvey Wtckware, Superintendent of Canyon lands National Park, has Instructed NPS employees that they must support the Park Services preferred alternative to a major development plan for the Needles District of Canyonlands. The park plan calls for $11,400,000 In capital Improvements for the Needles, Including a new visitor center and a new housing area. Although other alternatives were proposed with smaller costs and less resulting environmental damage, Wtckware believes his staff has an obligation to support the plan. Wlckware: With regard to the Neerfles development, there was meeting upon meeting on site In the park. Employees were Invited and came In great droves and put their Input Into It After decisions are made, as I am expected to support the decisions of the regional director, employees are required to aupport the official position as weH. I would expect employees to say, the official position of the Park Service Is this.' and they shouklntaay under their breath, however, I dtoagree with that' Ifs not good employee practice to do that As for written comments, were getting them from employees past and present, and thafs their prerogative. "But we would be In a pretty bad state of disarray If, when decisions are made, choice Is, either back the Service or get out Thafs essentially how I feel about It my Privately, they can hold a different view, Join the Sierra Club or SUWA. But It probably Isnt In their best Interests as employees to go out as a uniformed employee and take a position that Is counter to the Regional d rector. If s Just good Judgement to be a loyal employee of the National Park Service. It would demonstrate poor Judgement to get up and take a view that was not consistent with a measured Judgement of the Service. We don't all get our way when declslona are made, and It shows poor Judgement and might affect other things In their career. Who knows? Park Predicts Future? At a squad meeting of Canyonlands National Park officials on July 2, It appeared that the outcome of public comment regarding the Needles development proposal had 19 even though the comment period did not end until July 21 already been decided FONSI of note later. Minutes "Around a the 28th, that, days July squad meeting (Finding of No Significant Impact) may be written. We are on schedule to get the money obligated. When the EA Is approved we will be able to advertise and grant a contract" It Is doubtful that public comments could receive any serious consideration If a FONSI could be written seven days after the comment period ended. It Is doubtful that all the comments could even be read In that time frame, let alone reviewed, analyzed and, If appropriate, Implemented Into the EA. Does the NPS solicit comments because It wants the public participation In the decision-makiprocess? Or Is It done because It Is required? Comments can be directed to: Lorraine Mlntzmever. Rocky Mountain Regional Office. 12795 W. Alameda Parkway. P.O. Box 25287. Denver. CO 80225-028- 7. ng BOH BBS 6 roup honest ozzies CAFE & desert oasis Dont miss it on Friday nights changing the way you look HWut... vimcm 1 went. iwtr 20HYR NexT Ab IS bU . HMMMM. ocean breezes pleasant ambience. lush gardens, BREAKFAST DINNER epicurean natural foods luscious desserts at design 83 e. center 259-8- 1 08 Interesting encounters 60 N. 100 W. 259-844- 2 |