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Show N ; THE ZEPHYR JUNE 1990 PAGE 21 from the western association of land users ALL-AMERICA- A Look at the Future N AGENCY by Raquel Shumway 505 No. Main Looking ahoad totho future la somewhat difficult to do and notlnvblve my beliefs. believe that God created this world and everything on It There Is a purpose behind the creation. Because I believe this and because I believe In what Is prophesied to come, I think man Is extremely egotistical to think for a moment that we can destroy everything. I think Its amazing to think that the earth has done so well over the years without 19th century environmentalists to protect It That Is not to say that we should be Irresponsible, uninformed, or uncaring. We should leam and try to do whatever It takes to make this world a nice place to live. We should enjoy living. It's definitely debatable, but: what would our Beautiful Country be like with 5.1 million acres of wilderness? That's most of Southern Utah! According to the Learning Report, our economy Is going to suffer drastically. It's to more than It already has. suffer going Our population has already decreased by half. How long can the rest of us maintain our lifestyles If all of Southern Utah Is In wilderness? How long until the dally hassles of trying to make a living In a Wilderness Study Area or a Wilderness Designation Area become too costly? The bottom line Is this: We all have to have food, clothing and shelter. In this day and age that depends on the amount of money we are able to make. When It becomes Impossible to make enough money to provide for the necessities of life, a decision must be made. We must decide to find another way to make a living, move or apply for welfare. Its a shame that that kind of decision Is forced on us because someone wants to hike Into a wilderness area and not be bothered - or do "they have other uses planned for 5.1 million acres of land where they are unlikely to be bothered by another human being? For every family that moves or applies for welfare and for every business that shuts down we lose more of our tax base. Can those who stick It out maintain the tax base and thus, the quality of life? The wilderness In and of Itself wont shut any one down. But It will prohibit new exploration and new grazing permits. And the requirements for already existing mining, grazing, etc. will make It so costly to work that there will be no point In continuing. If you stood to lose thousands or even millions of dollars would you continue to pursue a living 259-649- 3 I In I this area? As people move It will become Increasingly more difficult to maintain the services we now have whether they are services provided fay private Individuals or by government entities. Tourism Is said to be the salvation of Utah; according to the Learning report, tourism Isnt close to bringing In the revenue provided by mining. But by default, maybe It will save what little economy will be left. And tourism may very well save the businesses which provide services for tourists! The sad truth Is that the majority of us dont make a dime from tourism. But maybe we can all become park rangers (or the equivalent In the BLM - after all 5.1 million acres Is a lot of area to patrol.) One of the possibilities facing us scares me to death. When people are not allowed the opportunity to make a living and provide for the survival of their families, things begin to happen. The government officials were carrying guns at the chaining site. Cowboys are beginning to carry guns. Ive heard several threats on the news. One day It may become more than a threat Are we ready for the possibilities? The amounts of money lost from sabotaged equipment, dead cattle and burnt buildings and the time It took building their business, those amounts arent even figured Into the Learning Report Aside from the amount of money lost, these people are ready to fight for what Is rightfully theirs. Has mankind degenerated so much that we strike out to hurt and destroy rather than stand by and help each other? What are we going to use 5.1 million acres of wilderness for? Whatever It Is, Is It Important enough to risk these kinds of reactions? When people can no longer eat and survive, hiking and enjoying a wilderness experience takes second place, OR are "they going to use these 5.1 million acres for something else? This view will seem extreme to those of you who eat and live on a regular basis with no worry for where the next meal Is coming from. It does not always seem so extreme to those fighting to survive by making an honest living -- - I'm not advocating that this Are we prepared for the possibilities? should (or even will) happen. I'm asking I feel at times that I'm In a science notion movie where man Is going to destroy his whole world and thus, destroy himself and 19th century environmentalists have been sent to save us. It's too bad that they are going to save the earth at the expense of society. Trials & Meet Our Real Estate Team Doug McElhaney owner 259 6878 Delbert & Clenna Oliver Norma Nunn 259-737- 0 259-727- 5 Ray Tibbetts 259-636Julie Bierschied 259-5671 Randy Day $nb0 259-628- 0 3 O ART & FASH ION 35 N. Main featuring: sterling sliver jewelry from Thailand and Bali Cotton Batik Clothing including tops, skirts, pants bikinis, swimsuits handwoven bermudas and shorts 259-710- 5 Tribulations vehicular inebriations contract violations sticky situations bogus obligations tubal ligations (just kidding) reckless propogations spousal frustrations & altercations WALTER F. BCJGDEN, JR. & y1 HOWARD LUNDGREN attorneys at law |