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Show Page The Ogden Valley news Volume XV Issue XV July 15, 200 Nature Center Hosts Exhibit and Public Reception Compiled by Shanna Francis Five cities, including Ogden, have been chosen as sites for the “Bear River: Last Chance to Change Course” exhibit, which will be shown at the Ogden Nature Center, 966 W. 12th Street, from July 17 through September 12 during regular hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays. A free, public reception well be held 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on July 17. Regular center admission rates will apply for the remainder of the exhibit: $3 for adults and $1.25 for children. The Bear River is one of the longest rivers in America that never reaches the ocean. Its 500-mile journey begins in northern Utah’s Uinta Mountains, borders southwestern Wyoming, loops through southeastern Idaho, then heads back to Utah before emptying into the Great Salt Lake west of Brigham City. Craig Denton, University of Utah communications professor, documentarian, photographer, and author has spend a considerable amount of time studying, photographing, and documenting the Bear River, recently publishing a book—“Bear River: Last Chance to Change Course”—and compiling a narrative and photographic exhibit by the same name. The exhibit conveys to its audiences a greater understanding of this unique river from many perspectives—its geomorphol- ogy, geography, hydrology, and the many stakeholders from whom the river holds cultural, recreational, and economic interests. These interests often compete with one another, and can compromise the river system. Denton laments, “While once rivers were the poet’s muse, they’ve become the tools of municipal plumbers. Now we use them unreflectively as ditches to whisk away our offal or as conduits to move water from a source to a downstream rights holder.” Denton recorded the Bear’s dynamic hydrology and unique morphology that still ties the river to ancient Lake Bonneville. He writes, “I’ve tried to capture a glimpse of the complex, diverse ecology that the river nurtures—in less developed places. I’ve situated my camera at points along the Bear’s course where important historical moments in the development of the West took place. I’ve also chronicled the stories of the stakeholders who rely on the river and who increasingly place more demands upon it.” Comments about the exhibit read, “Through his photography and words, Denton effectively manages to hear what the Bear is saying, if it could speak our language. If we listen carefully to his translation of this ‘river-speak,’ we will hear the Bear clinging to its history while nervously eyeing the competing desires for its water and wondering how long it will remain in its mostly natural state.” For more information, contact the Ogden Nature Center at 621-7595. Pelicans on Pineview. Photo taken by Kris Wilson of Huntsville. POWDER MTN cont. from page 1 increased traffic on the valley floor and in Ogden Canyon; and air traffic and associated noise pollution associated with plans for commercial helicopter transport operations in and out of the resort. Another major concern was voiced over the precedent the granting of increased development without purchasing this right through a Transfer of Development Right (TDR) program—a program that is currently being developed by the county. Kirk Langford of Eden stated, “I work in the ski industry and I think that having a development at Powder Mountain is an excellent idea, but I’m scared to death that this plan is not excellent. Good plans always hold up to close scrutiny; Ogden Valley’s Master Plan calls for three to five resort communities within the Valley. With the number of units Powder Mountain is asking for, Ogden Valley will become a city the size of Bountiful. Powder Mountain’s plan establishes a carrying capacity of 10,000 skiers a day—a capacity similar to Park City’s, and they have freeway access to the resort! Can you imagine 10,000 people stumbling over one another in Ogden Valley—not to mention the traffic associated with current and future resorts. People aren’t going to spend their money on family vacations in a place where they will have to be tripping over one another. Don’t just hand out this density without retiring comparable acreage.” Oaks owner Keith Rounkles was concerned about the precedent granting extra density to Powder Mountain, without making them pay for it, would set. “If you grant this density free of charge without exchange for the purchase and retirement of a development right elsewhere in the Valley, then Snowbasin will be asking for the same thing. Commissioners, be sure you look at the domino effect this would have. What you do for one you’ll have to do for the other. “[Powder Mountain’s threat to incorporate if the county doesn’t grant their proposal] is like being held hostage; I don’t think it’s fair to be blackmailed because the state made a bad law (HB 466). Eden resident John Klisch pointed out, “If you allow Powder Mountain to raise their density from 1,218 units to 3,950, at an average price of $100,000 per development unit, that’s a $273,200,000 give-away! That’s quite a deal.” Kimball Wheatly was also concerned about increased density in Ogden Valley. “As an optimist and idealist, I was taught that the [Ogden Valley] General Plan is our guiding instrument. While within the document there are several recommendations for retiring density, no place in the General Plan does it say that we should increase density! “Regarding Powder Mountain Road, UDOT records show that there have been four fatalities within the last ten years. If you proceed and increase the density on the road 10 times above today’s level, considering recent trends, you can expect at least an addi- tional 40 dead people every ten years.” Referring to drivers coming down off of Powder Mountain, Cindy Purcell, who lives at the bottom of the resort road, stated, “I can stand out on my driveway on any given day and smell the brakes.” Eighty-eight-year-old Catherine Feeny, who stated she had spent many years in the South Fork area emphatically pointed out, “What the developers are trying to do—get around the requirements set down by the Planning Commission— is called cheating! Commissioners, ‘Just Say ‘No!’” Her spirited comments produced a rousing round of applause from the audience. But not all comments were against granting approval for the Powder Mountain proposal. Kamie Geiger with Ogden City’s Business Development department read a letter on behalf of Ogden City Mayor Matthew Godfrey. “We believe the proposal of the proposed development of Powder Mountain will have positive effects on Ogden in terms of helping us achieve our goal of being recognized as the capital of outdoor recreation. “We hope that, as you work through the details of this plan, you will find a way for them to be successful in this endeavor for the betterment of the greater community.” Kent Lundell of Huntsville commented on Powder Mountain’s plans and the comments he’d heard regarding the safety of the road. “I’m a highway builder . . . and have worked at Deer Valley. . . . I think this will be an awesome project.” Area Conservation Chair for the Sierra Club Dan Schroeder expressed concerns over the wildlife in the area, and encouraged Powder Mountain petitioners to be good neighbors. In essence, what you’re currently saying is, “We don’t have to be a good neighbor because of this law (HB 466) we have holding over your head!” But would they be a good neighbor to Utah’s wildlife? The Powder Mountain property borders a wildlife management area. “Sometimes neighbors to these areas consider the land an extension of their backyard—building trails, poaching, using motorized vehicles. There needs to be a buffer zone designated around the wildlife management area. It’s also scary to think of 4,000 dwelling units up on top of the mountain.” Commissioner Bischoff’s final remarks included his concern over the fall-back alternative if the county denies Powder Mountain’s proposal point blank, considering Powder Mountain has the option of proceeding with incorporation plans. “The alternative is to take ourselves completely out of the decision-making process.” The commissioners stated that they were not ready to take action on the current Powder Mountain proposal at the public hearing, and elicited an assurance from planning staff that a copy of the new proposal would be on the county’s web site by Tuesday, July 15 for the community’s review. Weber County’s web site can be accessed at <www. co.weber.ut.us/commission> The commissioners are still taking public comment on the proposal. Commissioners can be contacted at 399-8401. 801-745-4000 2555 WOLF CREEK DR. 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