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Show In developing a plan for the so-called "Hogback Day-Use area", the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM) clearly failed to consider concerns of Garfield County citizens. Using funding from the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) earmarked for the Highway 12 Scenic Byway, the GSENM is planning to proceed with a development that is opposed by the majority of citizens and businesses in Boulder, Utah (see other attachments). As part of the National Landscape Conservation System NLCS, these lands should have "no developed visitor facilities; services are available only in nearby towns. These conservation lands will remain as undeveloped open space, a place for unbounded recreation and individual adventure. They will be conserved and used within a continuum of regional history and tradition and open space." The Monument Management Plan clearly states that "visitor facilities..... will be limited to minor facilities such as interpretive kiosks and pullouts..." and "Major facilities will be located in surrounding communities in order to protect resources and promote economic development in the communities". Thus, it is not consistent with this plan. The proposed development is at the northern gateway to the GSENM near Boulder, Utah where All-American Scenic Highway 12 approaches the Hogback. Ignoring objections from Boulder citizens and business leaders, the GSENM developed a plan for a Day-use picnic area with vault toilet, shade shelters, picnic tables and a trail along the canyon rim overlooking Calf Creek. Fencing would also be required to exclude cattle that graze on this part of the allotment. It would look like a corralled parking lot. What really captivates tourists is the wild beauty of the Escalante canyons and plateaus; the proposed development would detract from this. Unfortunately, the proposed trail location invites views of user-created trails along the inner rim of the incised canyon of upper Calf Creek. A major concern is that this site will become a de facto trailhead to gain access to this sensitive and little-visited part of upper Calf Creek where the final decent into Calf Creek is treacherous and inexperienced hikers risk injury or deaths. Local businesses opposed the development, particularly its toilet facilities — many tourists stop at Boulder businesses or the Anasazi State Park to utilize toilet facilities, and then eat meals and/ or make purchases. These and other concerns were all voiced in public comments to the EA. Rather than truly considering our valid concerns, the EA decision simply stated that our concerns were either deemed unimportant or could be mitigated (without stating how). In November 2009, concerned citizens of Garfield County proposed the Citizens' Alternative Hogback Wayside that would provide better views over the Escalante canyons at a safe location, but would be designed to allow brief stops for photography and to read interpretive signs — not for extended parking and day-use. Our proposed Citizens' Alternative Hogback Wayside would provide handicap access with excellent views from a safe vantage point, without providing views of the user-created trails leading into the dangerous cliffs of upper Calf Creek canyon. This plan was modeled after the successful Head-of-the-Rocks Wayside where tourists stop briefly, marvel at the views, learn about the monument, and then move onward. Given the present economic environment and congressional desire to balance the budget, spending our tax dollars on what appears to be an unnecessary and divisive project is not a good idea. In addition to construction costs, the GSENM would be saddled with costs of continuing maintenance of the toilets, garbage cans and litter, mitigating damage of more user-created trails, ranger patrols, and rescue operations. Using UDOT funds to build our Citizens' Alternative Hogback Wayside and abandon unsafe existing pull-outs would be a much better use of funds. Cost savings could be better used elsewhere. Not only did the Environmental Analysis fail to address our community's concerns, but the proposed development encroached on a Wilderness Study Area (in violation of BLM rules), so a new Site Plan with a rerouted trail is being drafted by the BLM. When reconsidering this new Site Plan, we believe that the GSENM DNA should also consider our Citizens' Alternative Hogback Wayside and the No Action alternative. We believe that the Citizens' Alternative Hogback Wayside is a win-win-win situation where the GSENM gets an excellent portal to the Monument, UDOT eliminates unsafe pull-outs while providing handicapped access to a safe and beautiful viewpoint, and Boulder businesses are able to best benefit from tourism dollars. On March 8th, we will have another opportunity to state our case to the GSENM during a site visit with the Assistant Monument Manager, Matt Betenson, and will invite other stakeholders and the press to cover this important situation. We hope that the GSENM managers come in a spirit of cooperation and a willingness to change the nature of this otherwise damaging project. Attached is a petition with the signatures of concerned citizens of Garfield County from the greater Boulder area and a survey of Boulder businesses (92%) that demonstrate our overwhelming opposition to the Hogback Day-use Area, but a willingness to accept our Citizens' Alternative Hogback Wayside proposal or no action alternative. We hope to thank you for your support in creating a consensus decision that is the best for this special area. Concerned Citizens of Boulder, Utah Regarding the Hogback Development Anasazi State Park Hells Backbone Hills & Hollows Boulder Outdoor Survival School Ace Kvale Photography Red Tail Farms Red House Farms Red Rock'n Llamas Wolf Hollow Poles Place Simmons Construction Night Raven Farm T & L Jerome PT Earth Tours Princess Construction Boulder Community Market MAD Builders Boulder Heritage Festival Boulder Mt Lodge Grill Burr Trail Outpost Schoolhouse Properties Boulder Mt Fly Fishing Boulder Community Alliance Whistling Wings Farm Sugarloaf Honey Original Trade Goods Outfitters Davis Crafts Doug Hall Construction Holladay Crafts Crazy Coyote Escalante Outfitters Therapeutic Massage Rock Steady Stone Masonry Caroline Gaudy Message Scottie Mitchel, Artist Burr Trail Grill Pan •uitch Dru • GOOD NEIGHBOR PHARMACY' PRODUCERS AG MARKET NEWS FRIENDLY SERVICE 15 ROdUCTS 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED If you're not completely satisfied with any Good Neighbor Pharmacy brand product, return the unused portion to the place of purchase for a full refund! 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Par nchecks are not available on items that are not not regularly tarried at the participating stop: Quantities may be limited. Rebates are subject to conditions and limits established by the manufacturer. Sak prices are valid only for the dates listed on the font page. Items may not be exactly as pictured. Not responsible for typographical or printing emus. E`V eiama Tiff ILOY rr We'll do a FREE Electrical System check and check your Alternator, Starter & Battery so your're ready for the winter. "Here to Serve You" Your Vehicles & Toys 389 N. Main Panguitch Utah 435-676-8300 r I I Extended Hours: M-F: 8-6 & Sat 9-1 EDE AUTOCARE CENTER "POWER SPORTS & ATV's" I I Full Service - $79.95 Includes all Filters, Spark Plugs and Oil L ""-Rwsommilk ADVERTISE IN THE INSIDER Call r676:2621 toliferfds. • TURKEY VISION Because their great vision is their primary defense, turkeys feel very secure where they can see well and far. They frequently feed in pastures and meadows and gobblers love to strut their stuff out in the open. On rainy days, turkeys prefer these open areas, as well as clear cuts, and can be seen walking along wooded roads. These are all prime areas to look for fresh tracks, feathers, and other sign. Use this to your scouting advantage. When driving in your hunting area always slow down and take a good, thorough look at openings. This is where binoculars come in handy. When walking through your hunting area, approach openings carefully and check them out well before exposing yourself. This means taking a long look at the opening from cover and moving slowly even though you think you are well hidden. Walter Parrott is a member of the RedHead• Pro Hunting Team For more tips, log onto basspro.com Receipts: 570; Last Week: 751. Last Year: 729. Feeder Steers: mixed wts under 550 lbs and 800 lb wts mostly steady, 550-800 lbs 4.00-5.00 higher. Feeder Heifers: mixed but mostly steady, except 550-600 lbs 3.00-4.00 lower. Holstein Steers: 2.00-3.00 higher on similar offerings. Slaughter Cows: firm to 1.00 higher. Slaugher Bulls: firm to 1.00 higher. Feeder Steers: Medium and Large Frame 2: 200250 lbs scarce; 250-300 lbs scarce; 300-350 lbs 156.00-162.00; 350-400 lbs pkg 168.50; 400-450 lbs 143.00-159.50; 450500 lbs 136.00-147.00, pkg 160.00; 500-550 lbs 137.50-149.00; 550-600 lbs 133.50-149.00; 600650 lbs 133.50-146.00; 650-700 lbs 123.50-133.50; 700-750 lbs 118.00-130.25; 750-800 lbs 119.00-127.00; 800-850 lbs 117.50-119.00; 850-900 lbs 116.00-118.00; 900-950 lbs scarce; 9501000 lbs scarce. Holsteins Steers: Large Frame 3: Bull Calves: scarce; 200-300 lbs scarce; 300-500 lbs 79.00-94.50; 500-700 lbs 82.00-95.25; 700-900 lbs 84.50-92.50; 900-1000 lbs 74.50-82.50. Feeder Heifers: Medium and Large Frame 1-2: 200-250 lbs 136.00-142.00; 250-3001bs 135.00-139.00; 300-350 lbs pkg 139.00; 350-400 lbs 136.00-144.00; 400-450 lbs 131.00-141.00; 450-500 lbs 126.00139.00; 500-550 lbs 125.50-139.00; 550-600 lbs 121.00-130.50; 600-650 lbs 115.50-126.50; 650-700 lbs 114.00-119.50; 700750 lbs 115.50-117.50; 750-800 lbs 114.00-115.50; 800-850 lb scarce; 850-900 lbs 100.50-110.50; 900-950 lbs scarce; 950-1000 lbs scarce; Heiferettes: 52.5094.50. Stock Cows: Older Pairs: 800.00-1,000.00/pair. Slaughter Cows: Boning 80-85% Lean: 69.2580.25; Breaking 75-80% Lean: 68.25-77.25; Commercial: scarce; Cutter 8590% Lean: 56.00-66.00. Bulls: Yield Slaughter Grade 1000-1500 lbs 85.75-87.25; 1500-2160 lbs 85.75-96.75; Yield Grade 2 1000-1500 lbs 73.00-74.75; 1500-2405 lbs scarce. Feeder Bulls: 8001180 lbs scarce. 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