OCR Text |
Show THE ZEPHYR/ APRIL-MAY 2004 He showed us that rapid storm flooding erodes and carries away increasingly great quantities of soil and sediments. This material inevitably must come to rest and displace the storage capacity of our reservoirs. In the creation of reservoirs, he asked that same question many of us today are asking. “When our reservoirs are filled with silt what then?” The soil mantle he said was the natural reservoir for water. Overgrazing destroys this protective mantle. — During the past years, the cattle industry in Utah has gained great influence and power. The question of the times - as it is today - was who should control the public lands. Should grazing lands remain under federal control and oversight? Cottam thought so. In any event, the desertification of Utah continues. Cottam’s influence has been tremendous and his accomplishments great. He left a remarkable legacy. He was an environmentalist and ecologist of the highest order. He founded the beautiful Red Butte Garden, a part of the University of Utah, one of the largest botanical and ecological centers in the Intermountain West. It has over 150 acres of gardens with walking paths leading to them. Regional horticulture is displayed and interpreted. And during the year the center promotes concerts, festivals, and nature outings. A portrait of Walter Cottam, by master portraitist Alvin Gittins hangs there. He founded the herbarias at the University of Utah and at Brigham Young University. Hundred of thousands of herbaria specimens are now available for research and study. : In recognition of his work, in 1961, the Utah Legislature named the University of Utah campus as the State Arboretum of Utah. This 1,500-acre arboretum is said to have over 9,000 specimens of trees and shrubs collected from around the world. His collections, housed at the University, include color slides of many varieties of plants, trees, and flowers from varied locations in Utah and the West. And his papers, ripe for research, contain years of collected news clippings, reports, and correspondence. Cottam certainly had a great lasting influence on my life, much more than I:can relate here. And as I stroll even today to the peaceful Cottam’s Gulch, following a stone pathway leading to his treasured trees, | still warmly feel its charm and tranquility. There I ponder on Walter Cottam and the great legacy he left us. He was a man who tried to teach us all to both the faithful and unfaithful, the believers and unbelievers - .the ecological principles he so wanted to pass on. References: Cottam, W. P. and George Stewart. 1940. Plant Succession as a Result of Grazing and of The Synergy Company: We are dedicated to your health and that of the planet. Creators of organic and 100% natural nutritional supplements that promote vibrant well-being and radiant health. ..and supporting the Moab Community in many good ways 435.259.5366 www.thesynergycompany.com 800.723.0277 Meadow Desiccation by Erosion Since Settlement in 1862. Journal of Forestry 38: 613-626. Cottam, W. P. 1947. Is Utah Sahara bound? University of Utah Bulletin 37: 40. Martz, Maxine, 1999. Why Hurry Through Heaven? A Biography — Memoir of Dr. Walter P. ae 1 : : Cottam, Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Uta Internet Link Red Butte Garden www.redbuttegarden.or | SUPPORT :ZEPHYR ADVERTISERS is The businessec andhindidlialewhe adveries dn The Zephyr are the people who keep this publication alive. PLEASE let them know you appreciate their support. : AND SHOP THERE! H & H PROPERTY SERVICES SLICKMOABeUTAH ROCK CAFE 23 SOUTH 100 WEST MOAB, UT 84532 435.259.5119 JOHN HARTLEY FULL LINE OF CARETAKER SERVICES CORNER OF CENTER & MAIN STREETS INDEPENDENT HOME INSPECTION SERVICES BREAKEAS! LUNCH DINNER When DONALD Trump needs Property Services help, He doesn't look for an APPRENTICE, The Donald gets a PRO. MOAB’ HAVE YOU GOT WHAT ICH gale IT TAKES i Bae §$ OASIS FOR FOOD & FUN ATRIUM SEATINGIN BAR& RESTAURANT AUTHENTIC LOGO GEARE& GIFT SHOP VIDEOARCADE ON THE MEZZANINE LEVEL INTERNET CAFE’ > WWW.SLICKROCKCAFE.COM 435.259.8004 ‘es PAGEI9 | |