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Show mm f (J Ti A2-Th- e 'nrispende Thursday, June27, 1991 Letters to the Editor Community Comments By Sam Taylor realize that there is a great deal of concern on the part of those who do not want to see any additional development in this part of Utah. But after careful review, we found no significant environmental impacts that would justify denying Coors Energy the right to conduct further exploration on their leases." That was a tough statement made this week by Gene Nodine, Moab district director of the Bureau of Land Management, who situation in attempting to manage finds himself in a use. for lands multiple public I took the time yesterday to read the Bureau's "Finding of No Significant Impact" study. It's nearly a hundred pages long, and addresses not only the physical impacts of oil exploration on recreation, wildlife, and many other uses, it imposes on Coors Energy a lot of stipulations that will cost a bunch of money. For one, it requires the company to access its drill site over some thirty miles of road, when the location is only a couple of miles from U. S. 191. The reason? Building an adequate grade from U. S. 191 up the Little Canyon Dug-wa- y would create an environmental mess because of the steep grade and narrowness of the trail which was first built as a uranium access road in the 1950s. It requires all types of of reclamation measures before, during and after drilling. It required the company to move its location a short distance to hide it from view from almost any vantage point. It even requires the company to develop some water holes for desert bighorn sheep who sometimes roam in the area. It's a pretty thorough document, in my estimation. It took a lot of time, work, study and money to complete. And it's still going to be challenged in court, 'because it isn't environmentally adequate." Hogwash. That argument is getting a little lame. You can find it in every appeal filed by environmental groups for years against multiple-us- e activities. I've read a lot of those appeals, too, and find that the only important information is in the first few paragraphs and the last one. The dozens of pages in between are the same old stuff those groups have been using since they discovered that litigatory delay is almost as good as victory. Gene Nodine and his crew must have the patience of Job, but I bet it's wearing a little thin. Incidentally, Gene's supposed to be re-- : tired, but he keeps hanging in there. I hope he lasts forever. I am afraid to ask about the reported retirement for fear of getting an an-- : swer I don't want to hear. : sjt I was glad to see the Utah Mountain Bike Association pull out of their earlier announced alliance with two very extreme envi- ronmental groups who are threatening court action to delay or stop . the Coors Energy oilgas test in Little Canyon. "We find it far more ' to work together with the powers that be . . . sharing pubproductive lic lands is what it's all about," said Doug Alley in a conversation I had with him yesterday. Not all Moabites will agree with me, but I like mountain ; bikers. In fact, some of my best friends (and kids) are mountain bikers. For the most part. Ive found them courteous and friendly out on the trails as I've bounced around in my old 1977 pickup for a variety of reasons. "I oft-tim- no-w- in - : - -- Sharing the public lands is what : The Times-Independe- its all about. Amen! m hydrocarbon recovery, or even ranching. People will come to your restaurants, buy your groceries, retain your outfitters, and otherwise encourage your economy and tax base. But they will not come if the geography is despoiled. Moab has the potential (perish the thought, I know) of becoming the Gatlinburg of the West. What I mean is it can be a town with a vibrant economy that serves millions of tourists a year. The development and services people want are kept outside the adjacent national parks, as they should be, and the parks environment and ecology are preserved. The best of both worlds. The recent oil discovery is fine. But it has, once again, triggered the same old boom and bust thought cycle among Moabites. Having done a master's thesis on oil shale development's impacts in the the scenario is a familiar one to me. And I know it is to you. But you can break out of the cycle by investing in the environment by supporting expansion of national parks and wilderness areas. I can see oil wells and mines in Illinois, but I can't see mid-1970'- s, anything like your Canyonlands. Fortunately, they are also my Canyonlands, so I hope you'll accept these words from a shareholder, like yourselves, in our public lands. Thank you, And best regards, David L. Schein Mount Prospect, nt pose the vexatious litigation that appears to be aimed at shutting down all development on most of the Times-Independe- 259-752- 111. Dear Sam, I was pleased to read about and I support the recent actions taken by our locally elected governments of Grand and San Juan Counties to op- ) (UPS Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office at Moab, Utah under the act of March 3, 1897. Second class postage paid at Moab, Utah 84532. Official City and County Newspaper Published Each Thursday at 35 East Center Street, Moab, Grand County, Utah 84532. Postmaster: Send change of address to: The P.O. Box 129, Moab, Utah 84532 1 5 or FAX (801) (801) Member of 6309-2000- j es Dear Sam and Adrien, It was nice to meet you and talk to you (Adrien) two weeks ago when I stopped by the T-- I office to say hello. It was my 11th visit to Moab in 2 years and I have subscribed to the T-- I for 15 years. It was also good to see the new investment in the City and the recent construction. The town looked good and there was much activity going on. I wish to reiterate what I said in your offices. I am what you would call an "elite environmental extremist" from back East. That means I believe the health of the environment is paramount and absolutely necessary for a healthy economy. Just look at what we are discovering now about the devastated environments of eastern Europe, where strong economic policies of mining, refining, intensive agriculture, and power generation have made everyday life hazardous. economic I believe the long-terhealth of Moab lies in the preservation of its scenery. Not in mining, public land in this area. The central issues are economic and political, the threatened vexatious court action appears to be an attempt to control this area both 259-774- economically and politically, by Utah PressAssociation outside special interest groups. tv UV livt UVUVf V lllUb U1 oil on the Big Horn Sheeps' range will be harmful to their health or welfare. I have conducted mining in the Big Horn areas, they are a curious animal and they used to come watch me work. I enjoyed their company and they did not seem disturbed or upset by my presence once they got used to me and knew me to be harmless. It will not be any different with an oil well operation. On the other hand, what will happen to the Big Horn if their ranges are overrun by swarms of mountain bikers and backpackers chasing them X Samuel J. and Adrien F. Taylor Publishers and Editors Debra Gwinn Assistant to Publishers Sales, Production Circulation Backshop Advertising Representative Ron Drake Dorothy Anderson Jon Walker Gene McCutchen Read All About your hometown in The around Times-Independe- nt for 52 news filled issues your mail once a week local news TV guide special features lots of advertising in Subscribe Now! I to: Times-Independe- P.O. Box 129, Moab, UT 84532 Phone v Dear Sam, Last week's paper made me decide it was time I tried my hand at writing a letter to the editor. First of all, the mosquito issue. If these people who are against the use of malathion, should have been here before it got put into use. They would appreciate its use. Second, is the issue of OIL I am sure if BIG HORNED SHEEP can tolerate crazy people riding bicycles all over the landscape they would not mind a DRILL RIG grinding away in one place. Sincerely, Doug Tangreen Dear Sam, I am an organic gardener, and have been for several years. I am also in touch with Green Peace and Green Horizons, and several independent organic organizations. To make a long story short, several of these organizations do admit to a need for the lesser strength chemical sprays in cases of severe infestation. I, sometimes am in need of it; especially because of aphids on fruit trees and roses. However, both sides of the question need to have consideration for others. I happened t be up and about when the last spraying for mosquitoes took place. No one was warned this would happen. Fortunately, my windows that might have been affected, were closed. My neighbor's across the street were not. Her bedroom windows were open. She awoke choking and her eyes began to bum. She smelled the spray, and immediately got out of the bedroom. This was followed by headaches for two days. There should be announcements made when the spraying will take place. But, it needs to be done. Though I detest chemicals on anything, I feel very unhappy over the diseases that mosquitoes produce. If anyone has lived in this area before they spraying started, they already remember what a bad time mosquitoes can give this area. Especially in warm, humid weather. Jolcne does a good job of spraying. Sure hope the committee can reach an agreement on warning us when it will occur. Thanks for listening. Jo Kendall Dear Sam, Last week there was a letter to you from a "local" woman named Betty. Now Betty seems to think that the people who do not want to be fogged in their homes are "out of towners." Wrtll onmo nf thfloo pCCpS lived here for a decade. I've lived here for 5 years, but I think that if a person lives here long enough to be affected and involved with the local functioning of this city and county, then that person can be considered a "local." I was assured by a friend yesterday that the local definition of "local" if "if your parents were bom and raised in Moab. You may have been born here and lived here for sixty years, but if your parents weren't bom here then you are not a local." I find this definition to be quite limited. I have met people who have Risk-FreeEnt- J aft We are getting ready for another Taylor family reunion, and the Clan Matriarch, Miriam, will be the hostess this year from Henderson Farms, outside Durango, Colorado. We've been gabbing back and forth on the phone a lot of various arrangements. She has tickets for the early morning train run to Silverton, and everyone is looking forward. This train ride is a lot of fun, but one way is enough, so we're preparing for some of us to shuttle others back. Our grandchildren, Allyssa and Zane (that's Zane II there is Zane Henderson, then Zane Taylor I, and little Zane Taylor II) are as excited as little kids can get. They'll be the youngest of the clan present at the gathering, so theyll get a lot of attention for sure. We'll take the dutch ovens, and 100 or more eggs. As a remembrance for this reunion, I am making making scarves for with a little "T" appliqued in one everyone. These are comer. So far, 28 of the 32 in production are hemmed, with just the appliques to go. It's been a fun project. And perhaps a few of them will even be worn more than just at the reunion. off-whi- te lived here their entire lives and have never voted or ventured into many parts of the two beautiful national parks that surround Moab! I find this quite amazing. As Betty indicated, some folks might think the people who do not want to be fogged in their homes are to be laughed at, but the issue of Malathion fogging is a serious issue. The article by Vicki Barker two weeks ago in your paper was a piece of sensationalism that I do not think helped the public understand the importance of the issue. Quite frankly she presented the issue as wild shenanigans being played. This is not the case at all. The fact of the matter is many people understand that their civil rights are being violated when they are fogged with pesticide routinely in their homes! There are improved ways of dealing with mosquitoes. For example larvaciding with a microbial product called BTI. There are many states in this country that have experienced successful control of the mosquito by controlling them in the larvae stage. If the problem is controlled at the source like this, then the adulticiding with malathion would not have to be exercised. I think people should stand up for themselves and let their opinions be heard. The local mosquito program is funded with public money and if the public doesn't keep public employees accountable for their actions, who the heck will? Sincerely, Angela Bautista Dear Commissioners, At their June 19 meeting, a ifrnyiribi 1 1 iN the Democratic Central Committee voted unanimously to send a letter to the Commission regarding the purchase of the Keystone Disposal Pits. We are concerned that the citizens of Grand County are being asked to take financial risks and assume unlimited liabilities that will outweigh any benefits and income that may be gained from the purchase of the Keystone Pits. As our discussion progressed we realized several questions remained unanswered: (1) If there is such a profit to be made, why isn't San Juan County purchasing the pits themselves? Instead they have offered Grand County three times the asking price ($100,000) to secure and upgrade the condition of the pits in order to meet specifications. (2) It appears the current owner of the pits is anxious to sell because of concern over possible lawsuits that could amount to over $1,000,000 (Times-Independen- June 19th). t, Why then docs Grand County continue to operate, let alone pursue the purchase of these same disposal pits? Can Grand County adequately insure itself against any possible claims? Have the Commissioners obtained a bond to assure that any liabilities incurred will be covered? Will Grand be jeopardizing its insurability and bondability by County entering into a bad risk situation with the purchase of the Keystone Pits? (3) Who benefits the most from the purchase of the pits? Isn't it more reasonable for private industry (Continued to Pg. A4) Write your Congressmen. . . The Hon. Bill Orton House of Representatives 1723 Longworth House Off. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 (202)225-775- 1 88 West 100 North Suite 105 Provo, Utah 84601 . . . 505 Dirkson Senate Off. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 The Hon. Janies V. Hansen 4245 Federal Office Bldg. Salt Lake City, UT 84138 House of Representatives 2421 Rayburn House Office Blag. Washington, D.C. 20515 The Hon. Orrin G. Hatch U.S. Senator 135 Russell Senate Off. Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 3438 Federal Office. Bldg. 125 S. State Salt Lake City, UT 84138 I film ry When you need to Complaints Services Taxpayer Motor Vehilcle Information Blind Center . Highway Patrol - Road Conditions Youth Corrections Child Abuse and Neglect Welfare Fraud Hotline . . . . Worker's Compensation Fund Literacy Hotline Address cash -- Commerce-Utilit- y Name enclose $1 6.50 or $24 for one year or $32 and $47 for two years check g There has been much in the news recently about credit cards scams mainly centered around bogus offers for whereby the assumed recipients actually had a considerable sum of money taken directly from their bank accounts. (Considerable, to my way of thinking, is anything more than about $25.) I received a very official looking piece of mail recently which announced that I was guaranteed to have won a car, or a vacation, or - - there was a list of stuff. I had only to call a certain telephone number within 48 hours of having received my notification to claim the prize. If I did not, it would be awarded to someone else. Did I call? I did not. This piece of mail went into the round file, but probably should have gone to someplace that looks into such offers. It's not the first time. I did call the telephone number once several years ago when a similar letter arrived. I had only to sell ten zillion thigamajigs to qualify for my prize, I learned. In about the same category, I have hanging on my office wall a document that it almost worthy of framing. In vefy large, black type in the center it talks about "ADRIEN F, TAYLOR'S MILLION DOLLAR FORTUNE - - FREE AND CLEAR OF TAXES! As I said, it's a magnificent document. It further admonishes me, "DON'T LET SOMEONE ELSE TAKE AWAY 'ADRIEN TAYLOR'S ONE MILLION DOLLARS.'" But read the fine print. I did. I am reading it again. It says the deadline is July 18, but it doesn't say what year. Maybe I should reconsider and send in my "Money Free Gift Certificate" and find out what marvelous things my. six personal prize claim numbers might bring? Nah. money-grabbin- Thank you, Jerry Stocks Business Liaison Crime Victim Reparations Family Health Services Health Care Financing: Bureau of Facility Review Bureau of Managed Health Care Industrial Commission Human Services Corrections Intelligence Handicapped Information and Referral Environmental Health Hotline Parks and Recreation Reservations Crime Solvers Poaching Hotline $5 discount for persons 62 and older upon request The and By Adrien Taylor all. DRILLING versus BICYCLES. Many Trails State of Utah Toll - Free Numbers $16.50 Green River, Grand & San Juan $24 per year outside area Mall snapping pictures disturbing their solitude. Maybe the County ought to recruit unemployed miners and oil field workers to help protect the sheep. It seems to me that vexatious litigations look on the land with the eyes of a jealous lover and seek to put their love under guard for their own use and enjoyment. I look at the land as Mother earth, the bounty that she provides is for the use of ,waniwi linn, mm mm tlituANu. 1017 Federal Building 324 25th Street Ogden, UT 84404 The Hon. Wayne Owens House of Representatives 114 Cannon House Off Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20515 |