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Show 6 - WINTER TIMES - DECEMBER 1993 More SUMMING UP from Page 1 *Efifiéfiéififléafifiifisfi and a half. I also served as a commissioner on the Grand County Service Area for Castle Valley Fire Protection and worked a little with John Groo on the valley’s water resources problems. Perhaps my thoughts on some of the problems facing the Town of Castle Valley may be of interest My nine years in Castle Valley does not qualify me as an old timer, but I started working in the area 39 years ago with the US Geological Survey. Most of my career was spent studying the geology and water resources of the arid and semi-arid regions of the greatest advocates of land use planning in his time. Both new families settled in outlying valleys where cooperation and planning were essential for success. Planning and cooperation are no less essential today for the successful development of Castle Valley but more difficult without ecclesiastical leadership. Working with the Flaming Commission I was well aware of some of the conflicts within Castle Valley—— particularly those relating to land use. western United States. After I retired be. Others reflect a lack of information, misunderstanding of existing circum- from the USGS, I spent five years with the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey, primarily trying to apply geologic information to the problems related to living in this region. I don’t know the answers to all the problems of Castle Valley, but I do understand some of the questions that Castle Valley faces relating to land use. I have had a long interest in land use planning in this region. Both of my grandfathers came to Utah in 1862 as converts to the LDS Church, both marrying women already in Utah. In Utah they came under the leadership of Brigham Young, who was one of the Some conflicts reflect differing concepts of what the community should ANN BENGE If the town is to effectively control its future, the town’s Comprehensive Master Plan must be revised to guide this control. The existing plan is not adequate and may not reflect the opinions of the current residents of the valley. This revision will not be easy and must involve as many residents as possible and will require some outside professional help. The basic issues that should be addressed are: what basic human needs does the town seek to satisfy, and what do the residents want stances, and distrust. The differing concepts are both normal and healthy the community to be like 10, 20, 50 for any community. If the town government functions as it should, in the valley, I think a general consen- differing ideas will be respected and The Master Plan must also recognize the problems in development related to the almost unique physical characteris- discussed when decisions are made. Policies developed, while not satisfying everyone, will reflect a broad general consensus. Making information available can help with the problems relating to lack of knowledge and misunderstanding. The problem of distrust is more difficult to deal with. Do the residents and other property owners benefit from being incorporated into a town? Certainly a number of very formidable problems arise in trying to run a town with only a few hundred permanent residents and an Canyonlands Llamas let those outside of the community make the decisions for them, the town as incorporated is neither necessary or desirable. apparent unwillingness to provide much revenue to support the town. Some of the problems were very apparent in the operations of the Planning Commission. The commission needed more qualified residents to participate and also needed outside years from now? Despite the diversity sus on these issues can be obtained. tics of the valley. Only one similar valley has ever been developed as a residential community, and even that valley is significantly different. What works in New England or Arizona may not work here. My advice to the residents of Castle Valley on how to guide the development of their community is really pretty simple: 1. Identify long— range goals for the community and try to resolve immediate problems in the context of achieving these goals. 2. Recognize the physical limitations of the valley. 3. Take advantage of outside help that is available from several organizations, often at no cost. Good luck! —Don Mabey professional planning and legal assistance that the town budget could not afford. The primary advantage of being a town is that the residents can, to a great extent, shape the future of their community. I concluded that if the residents want to work to control the future of the community, CVSR 1911 Moab, Utah 84532 (801) 259-5739 the town is not only desirable but a necessity. If the residents don’t want to exercise this control and are willing to Faith Ehlers |
