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Show THE ZEPH YR/FEBRUARY-MARCH 2005 somewhere left HOW WILL WE EVER ALL GET ALONG? The diversity of the population in Grand County is good for many reasons, economically and socially. But itis also a part of the reason we have so much trouble with certain issues that involve public lands and traditional ways of making a living. And the ones of the more recent generations who may not have had such a brutal time of it as thelr ancestors did? Well, they might as well have lived it too, because in these families, oral tradition is alive and well, and lessons learned are not forgotten. There are also many who now live here who do not have this longstanding pioneer heritage in their family.. Nonetheless, they identify with it and feel at home. They've been here for some time now, these “somewhat-older-than-new" residents. Often they come from a rural or small town upbringing, interested in a community of self-sufficient neighbors, a community of freedom And when day i is done, you will find no group of people:in Grand County who more appreciates the radiant pink glow of a sunset on the slickrock. Those who have lived |here for some time are frequently saying these days, "Why don't you all just go back where you came from?" It's not a very friendly thing fo say. It wasn't meant to be. But it is a very honest expression of the frustrations that build up in many residents. NEWCOMERS/OLDCOMERS Those who have lived here for some time are frequently saying these days, “Why don't you all just go back where you came from?” It's not a very friendly thing to say. It wasn't meant to be. But it is a very honest expression of the frustrations that build up In many residents. | understand this reaction. It is not fair for people new to the area to tell everyone who lives here what todo. The new residents, “newcomers,” have no concept of the history behind why something is done one way and not the other. They make some pretty stupid, uninformed judgements about how this cattleman doesn’t care about public land, or that oll rig worker is only motivated by greed. They know nothing about the big sacrifices families and business owners have made to continue to live in Grand County. Many who live here come from a pioneer heritage. Some families trace back to the early Mormon settlers. On through the turn of the century, the diversity of Grand County's population was a notable exception to many Utah towns. But the many different types of people who settle here and stayed were the same In some ways. They all experienced the land in a personal way. They all learned survival skills. Their descendants know timber, mining, drilling, livestock, farming. How could It be otherwise? Their very existence has depended on their expertise. They've worked hard and have been cold, dirty, and hungry while they did it. Many have suffered a lot from “living off the land." They've lost family members or suffered physical injury. They don't see the land in romantic terms, but in more of a relationship between adversaries. Respect for the land is part of their ethic, because of what the land has taken from them. They have learned to try and not lose too mugh when they utilize the land's resources. . .<THE ZEPHYR/MARCH 1992-0 NEW IDEAS ARE NOT ALL BAD To look at the other side of the coin, every old dog should try to learn some new tricks. Because it is not fair to brush off troublesome new philosophies Instead of dealing with the good points they raise. We must grudgingly acknowledge that one of the founding principles of this country is freedom of expression, so that in open public debate, every voice will be heard. Our newcomers have made some very pertinent observations. For example, newcomers have pointed out that public land in Grand County doesn’t belong exclusively to Grand County residents. And they've stated that environmentalists and developers can work side by side for the betterment of the community-If they really want to, | might add. | think it was newcomers who first raised the issue of the "Aspenization" of Moab and its implications for everyone. One problem, lack of affordable housing, is already occurring. In the last few months, some rentals have gone up by 150%. And this is not just a problem for newcomers, but rather for people who have rented here for some time and who now can’t afford to stay where they've been living. Somehow, we must become more tolerant in Grand County, less polarized into different camps. > SEES SN SAS On February 12, 1992, Moab lost four of ifs own... "...When they shall die, Take them and cut them out in little stars, And they will make And pay no worship the face of heaven so fine Jeremy Hopkins, Maribel Loveridge, Bill Turk & Mark Yates, Jeremy Hopkins members of the Grand County ski patrol, died in a massive snow avalanche Bill Turk Mark Yates while on patrol in Gold Basin, in the La Sal Mountains, That all the world will be in love with night to the garish sun.” Maribel Loveridge February 12, 1992 We still remember the loss after all these years. PAGE29 = |