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Show Page A9 iThf imrs-3nhrpiuft- November 29, 2001 nit Castle Valley Comments Letters to the Editor by Ron Drake A voice for protecting the night sky Dear Editor, My daughter rushed in to w ake me at 4 a in. the other morning to come out and see the Northern Lights! The sky was crimson like a wildfire, like the deepest red at sunset. It was extraordinary We jumped in the car to go up to the Slick Rock to get out of the lights of town in would still be ample light. I grew up during WWII. I remember blackouts and how amazing it w as to got outside and see all the stars. This is one of my strongest memories of childhood and it seems odd to me that more efforts arent being made to conserve energy during the current situation. My wish is that us folks of Moab w ill voluntarily do something about a more sensible approach to lighting and the security that it provides. For example, several of my neighbors have security lights that trespass my yard and indeed invade my bedroom. Sure, I have blinds, but why cant a simple shield be attached to the light ? It will still provide illumination but will direct the glow and would be a neighborly thing to do. So, dear readers, please check out your exterior lights. Does the light aim down and is it shielded? If not, can you take some action? Sincerely order to see this rare occurrence better. We went to the Sand Flats main parking area far above the city lights and so thankfully close to home We saw the aurora borealis, all the stars, shooting stars and undulating waves of light across the sky. As we came back dow n at sunrise I couldn't help but think of the failed light ordinance that was designed to protect and conserve the night sky. I understand that it was too regulatory for some and too expensive for others, and some folks just didnt get what the fuss was about. Yet traveling up the Sand Flats in the night, it is clear that the lights of Moab are extending further and wider and with increasing density it looks to me like every third or fourth light could be turned off and there Katherine M. Hunter Moab Another Patriot Dear Sam, I must admit that when the rallying cry came forth to eliminate evil w herever it lurks to beat the drums of war without question or reflection access to the riverine arteries that flow from the heart of our sacred lands. We must therefore be prepared to do what must be done, to think the unthinkable, to unleash the awesome power of the accumulated might of this great nation yes, we should, if necessary, unleash the There will be collateral damage to be sure, but innocent casualties are an inevitability of modern war. A price that must be paid. To advocate otherwise is to embrace the very heart of darkness. This will be a war unlike any other. We must therefore be prepared to engage the cunning Tamarisk unconventionally. Indeed, we must enlist every man, woman and child in this heroic effort. Meanwhile, though we be fully engaged in a war for the survival of our way of life, I join in the exhortation of our nations supreme flora, Shrub Bush, that y'all should just keep on actin' normal. Ride your boats through the Valley of Darkness, hike amidst, over and through evil, attend multiple potlatches in Castle Valley. And always keep in mind the immortal words of Brigadier Topo G. J. VonGoob, "Walk softly and carry a big scythe." Live those wods. Dog Guess Hysteria. -- Jack duJour (aka Steve Russell) Moab was ambivalent. But after Franklins article in the Nov. 8, Tl, I am now I prepared, with all Moabylonians, to cast my full and unflinching support to Americas War on Tamarisk. These cowardly interlopers led by Osama Salt Cedar, these illegal aliens w ho are the progeny of lax and negligent immigration laws (...we were unwitting; at first they were welcome, our ally; we sowed the very seeds of those that would destroy us who could have known?) must be rooted out from their hiding places, able-bodie- their impenetrable thickets, and destroyed, utterly and for all time. Gaia is a venerable and noble faith, and though Tamarisk is of Gaia, Gaia does not necessarily approve of Tamarisk. We must therefore embrace Gaia, even as we condemn Tamarisk. We shall give no quarter to Tamarisk, nor condone any ecosystem that would provide succor for its evil roots and tendrils. Make no mistake, Tamarisk are a direct threat to our most precious freedoms, including the right to wander about without obstruction and to gain easy Times-Independe- by Danny Kent Director, Red Rock Forests After a brief respite last year, Book Cliff the bear population is under the gun drought-stresse- d again. Late spring freezes and long, dry summers have severely limited the acorn crop in the Book Cliffs and La Sal Mountains in recent years Citing the killing of nearly 20 bears in camp- grounds, towns and along highways that came out of the Book Cliffs looking for food, the DWR dramatically reduced the number of bear hunting permits in the Book Cliffs this past season. They also increased the number of permits in the La Sals and in San Juan County, citing a need to maintain overall permit numbers. They also the Spring Bear Hunt, controversial for its tendency to orphan cubs when nursing mothers are killed. Now the DWR plans to increase bear permits by 67 percent in the Book Cliffs to allow development of a more complete data trend so that they can evaluate a stable permit allocation on bear age and female harvest levels. The DWR also plans to reinstate a spnng bear hunt here, as soon as it is again available as a management recommendation option , according tc Mike Wolfe, mammals coordinator for the DWR. Other justifications for the increase include more sports man opportunity, and a perceived need to address a deer herd that is below the division's targeted numbers by removing more bears. The relatively untapped bear population on the adjacent Ute Indian Tribal Trust Lands is expected to disperse into the Book Cliffs harvest unit as bears there are removed. The continued maximization of the bear hunt in the Books follows a disturbing trend in predator management by the DWR. Red Rock Forests disagrees with the basic premise that deer numbers are low because of bear and lion predation and not because of habitat loss, roadway deaths and other unaddressed causes. We have long had some of the healthiest bear populations in the west in southeastern Utah, largely because of our bountiful roadless areas. That should be a reason to protect them, not decimate them like everywhere else in Utah. am also distressed that the DWR is increasing the unnecessary killing of bears in Grand and San Juan counties in order to gather data that will in turn be used to justify the very unpopular spnng bear hunt. Others, including the Glen Canyon Group of the Sierra Club, want to see an end to hound pursuit and baiting, in which cow parts, fish, and other items are used to draw the bear I Moab-base- Letters to the editor policy The es d guest editorial nt not neoessanty endorse the opnons d pubshed n lettefS to the editor and guest ecftonals The T- -l welcomes opmons from its any subject pertrent to Southeastern Utah Letters shobd read-e'- s concerrwg be to the port and must include the writer's name, address and telephone amber Letters may not be used to replace advertisements, or to 1st and thank sponsors or partxiants to a particular ent Letters to the edtor w4 be rrt be accepted or from anyone wring supfrom candidate who has Red for political or centering port of a fked candidate Anything irsgned, cf a Sbekxs nature, far pubfccatm Al letters must be defnatory statemrts w not be considered Letters are subject to ecitng typed or leg fcy written, yid be 00 words or less MonMai to Tetter to toe EdtorrPO Box 129. Moab. Utah. &4S32. Deadhne s com. to 7V wa sent edftvmoabtmes be Lette-also nay day 5 p.m. s more froquenfy who not aooep! tetters from once every four weeks. r cce s ai w-i- te toi I representative of Chamber-laiArchitects of Grand Junction was at the monthly meeting of the Castle Valley Town Council last week to present a conceptual design of the proposed town hall building The council members approved of the initial design, which featured a 1,600-foo- t building with a a low elevaand simple shape tion The tront enters into a common hallway that leads to a large meeting room, conference room, offices and restruom. The building is designed and placed on the lot to take advantage of the solar placement and will be equipped with sun reflectors to heat the offices in the morning and the meeting room in the afternoon, the most logical occupancy time for those rooms. Shades will be featured to block the sun in the summer as well. Several construction A to the hunter. Most states put an end to such barbansm years ago, including Colorado, says John Weisheit, chairman of the Glen Canyon Group. To their credit, the Wildlife Board ended the fall pursuit season in the Books, La Sals and San Juan hunting units two years ago, which the DWR says has reduced many conflicts between hunter groups. It also pleased non-huntin- g backcountry enthusiasts, who had grown imitated by the constant baying and large, often hostile camps of hounders from Colorado dominating popular camps during the gorgeous weeks of September. Bear depredation has long been another reason to boost bear hunt permits in a particular area. Wolfe of the DWR says that increasing nuisance and depredation to pnvate interests and the public must be addressed in the Book Cliffs unit). Many of the bears in the summer of 2000 that came down to forage near human habitations damaged orchards, gardens and campgrounds. However, in 2001 far fewer incidents occurred in the Book Clrffs unit No bears were killed for depredation this year, compared to two in the La Sal unit and seven in the San Juan unit. (Source: Nov.15, 2001 memorandum to RAC and Wildlife Board members from Wolfe ) At 107 dead, 2001 was the third biggest official bear taxe in Utah ever. The year 2000 saw the largest, at 145 animals As with the buffalo, some people just don't see what's happening with wildlife until it's too late. We are hoping the DWR wdl take its own advice and make decisions based on science and broad public opinion, not on the perceptions and anecdotes of the few or on the pursuit of bigger deer herds Sing'e-mmde- d n options are avaiabie for the building and it is designed to easily accommodate future additions. They are stnving to keep the cost of the project under $100 per square foot. The council discussed their proposal to the county recreation board for funding to purchase a lot that is adjacent to the community lot. The lot is currently on the market and the council thinks the two proposed town lots and the LDS Church would make an excellent community center with many recre ation possibilities and room for a pavilion The fire district is also working on funding for a fire station on the town lot The town has a proposal for recreation equipment, landscape and walking paths around the community lot They are waiting to see how the recreation board The council approved a conditional-us- e home occupation permit to Mark Webster and Jeff Anderson tor a area in their home The wine tasting will be limited to the hours of 12 noon to 6 p m by appointment only and limited to four people. The county building inspector wilt handle health and safety code questions The council members also will help. wine-tastin- realignment would tiavei r.gLt through the town's w.iteistied and also through a wildlife migration area trial the Division of Resources would like to see left alone The noise from the extr i traffic would also be detriment.il to the residents of the valley they say The proposed realignment would totally destroy the quaby of this valley Mayor Keeler stated g discussed the proposed alignment of the Loop Road The Forest Service proposal would eliminate the tight re- switchbacks and widen the road to make it a Class II or scenic byway The proposed realignment would leave the existing road around the Pmhook battleground and proceed down to just behind Round Mountain where it would rejoin the road The county road supervisor also projyosed a less radical realignment. The new road would allow tour buses and truck traffic to traverse the new road The town council voted unanimously to write a letter to the Grand County Council strongly opposing the whole idea The first The final figuies areri t in yet but accordi ig to Laura the Castleton Tcwer Preserva tion fundraising gala event that was held last Monday, Nov Id was a great surcess They expect to raise about 530 000 Between 70 and 80 people attended the fundiaiset ai.u the feedback from thoce who were there said everyone had a great time Salt Lake City people at tended the event but also quite a group from Castle Valley and Moab were them wishes to thank the wonderful support from individuals and businesses who made the night such a success She also said that the Market Street Grill, where the party , held, donated the entire dinner and the facilities toward the effort That means that every penny that was collected will go directly to the land acquisition fund They plan to make this an annual event, which is expected to grow every year 1 1 Laura w-r- On Two Wheels A pedaling periodical of bicycle-relateby Ron Georg Quid Pro Quo Lets say you're a single bike guide, and you're getting lonely. One day you meet an attractive mountain biker who could help overcome that malaise, and you ofTer to lead a ride. That night, after your new friend buys you a cheeseburger, you set off a home fireworks display, and life is great. Just make sure your friend makes it home safely, without involving Search and Rescue, or the Bureau of Land Management may nail you for illegal outfitting. After all, for your sendees you received a cheeseburger and Marvin Gayes cure for malaise. Okay, that might be a little ridiculous. Or it would have seemed so until a local shuttle driver was cited for operating a commercial activity on BLM land without a permit. The crux of the BLM's argument is that the driver received $80 from a group of four riders, one of whom later got lost, neces- sitating a short search. So the suggestion is that for $20 each, these tourists were treated to a shuttle up into the La Sals, followed by a r four- - to ride with the driver and his accomplice. If that were true, the driver six-hou- should be cited for stupidity, not a permit violation. Anyone involved in the hike industry a shuttle driver, for instance knows what kind of rates outfitters charge. The ride these tourists enjoyed would be worth over five times what they paid. That's because all they paid for was a shuttle to the top. That shuttle w as arranged by the drivers partner in this a local mechanic and former guide. He gave up the guiding side of his biking career when he realized that getting paid to nde can take all the fun out of it. Now when he ndes with tounsts. its an act of generosity. non-crim- news and views d driver to bring his small party to a spot high for the above town which would afford them miles of downhill riding. Sensing a good ride in the works, the driver invited a friend along, and they tagged onto the group. Since the group was a little slow, and he had to go back up to get his van, the driver and his friend cruised ahead at their ow n pace. They rode back to town, went up to fetch the van, and the driver returned to Moab to a phone call from the sheriff, informing him that a rider from his party had become lost. The driver immediately headed up Sand Flats Road to assist in the search. Not only did he help, he found the lost rider himself. We all love a happy ending, and that should have been it. However, there were cops involved at this point, so there were reports to fill out. The lost rider and his friends, w ho are British, were interviewed. At some point, probably surrounded by cops and rescuers, they explained that they didnt know how it happened, that they were on a guided tnp. manner of speaking, they were. They just hadn't paid for it. They knew the In a mechanic hadnt received any money, and he was the one whod arranged their trip. They were well aware they were enjoying local that hos- pitality. What they couldnt have know n was that the BLM has some very strict legal defi nitions involving guiding Whatever they thought or said, the fact is tourists, facially foreign tourists, arc of ten a little confused alxiut the fine points. We have to inter pret things for them, like h understand that uir .died most popular ride . Slippery Roc k. the BLM took the I lelu-v- Brits' statement-- - at f ic value, without helping them define the terms For instance I douht anyone asked the nd ers if they understood the dif ference, according to la BLM 1 hutth definitions, driver, "outfitter, guide, and riding buddy" or "nding h mate" to borrow the vernacular). I also know there wa no -- Lr-t- - the inti investigation ments of some riders who'd laid a very long, draining day No one from the BLM contacli-- th mechanic who arranged th nde Instead, they targeted an $H0 scapegoat This wa- - a looe!v nrg nized group ride, and e.n! for him rider was h- se If. That mg a friend on a trad, hut " one member of the group -- Hrx-sn- t -- accountable ! someone only incidentally with the group If someone rued- - o h r t' held account.s) le search, send a hill to h r.gl.md You can rent h ro util f- comments or inforrnahon gardmg this rolumn at 3052, or srnd rniail ri ! ontu on hcclsfn ,'asat nd Ill e, (. : r &CFi '' , ' ; T The one thing the mechanic does get out of such an arrangement is a free shuttle. It's a common ploy. If a local rider hooks up with some visitors who are paying for a shuttle, he know s he can get a lift to the top. Shuttle drivers like the deal; its like paying commission to a sales person So the mechanic arranged ( |