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Show to contain increased visitor use. We can place limits. We can weigh canying capacity and types of visitor experience against die demands on that resource A visitor center cm Cedar Mesa would be incompatible with Cedar Mesa's primitive and wilderness character. Indeed back in 1970, Grand Gulch was designated a primitive area precisely because of its wilderness, scenic, and archeological values. The center would increase rather than mitigate negative visitor impacts. A travel center would attract even more visitors. Build it and they will come, the old adage says. And more and more people will come. Ken 6 Jane Sleights PACK CREEK RANCH t A Country Inn 6 Guest Ranch There are many options and alternatives to this visitor center thing. What about joining with the Edge of die Cedars Museum and State Park fpr Instance? Or maybe with Natural Bridges National Monument? Wouldn't this confine development to already developed areas? BLM would benefit from existing services, water sources and housing rather than build costly remote ones. Riel would be conserved. It all makes fiscal sense to me. I'm sure that the Edge of the Cedars could use an extra $500,000. There are a number of things we can do at this stage. Recognition and medals should be given to the BLM employees and volunteers in the field who are trying to do their jobs with the limited funds and resources available to them. Their hands are tied and their voices silenced. Those in higher positions, with their political friends, do the ordering. BLM needs to outline a clear, formal process for public involvement There has been little public involvement since 1991. No scoping actions have even been accomplished since that time even though scoping is a prelude to the formation of an EA The Indian peoples have not been involved in the process as provided by law. BLM should follow proper procedures in their planning process. EA. I have asked for a withdrawal of fills project as outlined in the Many concerns have not been addressed and all alternatives have not been fully considered. and existing facilities need a much closer look. EA comment period. BLM first gave 30 days but later allowed I have asked for a y It's still not enough time for such a major issue. Public hearings should be held in selected cities. People have a right to know and to express themselves. I have asked the BLM, in this crisis, to dose Grand Gulch immediately to human entry until proper protection is Instituted to protect the many archeological sites. They keep cows out of them, they can now keep people out ed Off-sit- e 90-da- 45-day-s. Heres what's happening at Pack Creek ... Our restaurant opens on April L featuring Black Angus beef, fresh fish This has been a difficult piece to put on paper. I regret writing It because I'm calling attention to five fact that there is an opportunity to loot the ancient ruins and graves and probably get away with it I am gambling on the hope that BLM and our elected leaders will immediately do something about it We must stop this development scheme on Cedar Mesa under five guise of educating the public. One development will just lead to another. More serving will arise just as they it did at Take Foul" We need more rangers, not more problems visitor centers. It would be nice to have a $500,000 ranger budget A lot of ruins could be protected. and the highest quality vegetables available Check out our regular trail rides Reserve a spot on one of our 1996 pack trips, including journeys to Grand Gulch, the La Sal trail. Mountains, and Weekend historical lectures and programs all-o- Hole-in-thc-Ro- t ck by Ken Sleight. . f Tv;-'- .'ft - - ,.u . i V t.A S ...t . r' .. S'i, W Wlj'-M- J'-- Located in the cool foothills of the La Sal Mountains, Pack Creek Ranch serves elegant candlelight dinners amidst ift spectacular red rock sunsets. V ' - 4 J - Phone or write for reservations 6 information: P.O. Box 1270 Moab. UT 84532 (801) 259-55- 05 MESA JAVA - x j t , . A". A. . J it Espresso 6 Coffee Bar Pastries 6 Specialty Foods Regional Newspapers f' IT MADE UM ROAM THE RANGE" $ Weeds On Utah Highway 95 between Natural Bridges and WACHITA Hite Crossing near Milepost Call (801) 7l 259-533- 4 RUGS AND UNIQUE ART Good food RV hookups Gas 6 groceries Pool table Piano "A COUNTRY INN DISGUISED ASA CLASSIC SOUTHERN UTAH OUTPOST Lodging im f. In the same building with Mesa Java Or write: P.O. Box 563. Monticcllo. UT 84535 |
