An additional observation about the GSENM Draft Resource Management Plan worth considering. In virtually every way, the draft RMP is a substantial improvement on the current plan, adopted by the Trump administration in 2020. Political forces in Utah are going to do everything in their power to prevent the new plan from being adopted as scheduled, in spring 2024, which will leave the Trump 2020 RMP as the controlling authority . Alternatives C and D in the draft RMP, while not perfect, deserve the enthusiastic support of the environmental community, in the interest of ensuring that the Trump 2020 RMP is retired at the earliest possible moment.
Wouldn’t it be amazing and have significant scientific value to run a test and eliminate all grazing from the Monument? In just a few years, I expect we would see a reduction in invasive species, reduced sedimentation in waterways, a resurgence of native species, improvements in water tables... It is easy to forget how vibrant and amazing the West was before being run into the ground. Which is probably why there is opposition to any such thing. Ignorance is a control mechanism.
And I’ll rant about any proposal that allows equestrian access, but denies bicycle access to sensitive places. There is absolutely ZERO scientific justification. It is total nonsense. Which will become blatantly clear as we barrel toward social and climate collapse and transport options dwindle down to walking or riding a bicycle. All those poor saps with blistered, bloody, broken feet will bring a smile to my face as I ride by... /r
I really appreciate the information on the various alternates regarding grazing. Still boggles the mind that livestock grazing is "allowed" in a National Monument, but then - where isnt it? My particular grievance (which you have seen before) is still the allotments in almost every Wild Horse HMA (herd management area). I believe there might be a couple where its not allowed. In most of the HMAs, there are far more cattle & sometimes sheep than Wild Horses. And currently, the BLM is doing their very best to eliminate as many as they can (roundups presently going on).
OK - said my piece.
Again thank you, now I feel I have an idea of what Alternate I will press for.
Feds seek public input on Grand Staircase-Escalante management plan
An additional observation about the GSENM Draft Resource Management Plan worth considering. In virtually every way, the draft RMP is a substantial improvement on the current plan, adopted by the Trump administration in 2020. Political forces in Utah are going to do everything in their power to prevent the new plan from being adopted as scheduled, in spring 2024, which will leave the Trump 2020 RMP as the controlling authority . Alternatives C and D in the draft RMP, while not perfect, deserve the enthusiastic support of the environmental community, in the interest of ensuring that the Trump 2020 RMP is retired at the earliest possible moment.
Wouldn’t it be amazing and have significant scientific value to run a test and eliminate all grazing from the Monument? In just a few years, I expect we would see a reduction in invasive species, reduced sedimentation in waterways, a resurgence of native species, improvements in water tables... It is easy to forget how vibrant and amazing the West was before being run into the ground. Which is probably why there is opposition to any such thing. Ignorance is a control mechanism.
And I’ll rant about any proposal that allows equestrian access, but denies bicycle access to sensitive places. There is absolutely ZERO scientific justification. It is total nonsense. Which will become blatantly clear as we barrel toward social and climate collapse and transport options dwindle down to walking or riding a bicycle. All those poor saps with blistered, bloody, broken feet will bring a smile to my face as I ride by... /r
And we know that the BLM rigorously enforces grazing regulations (/s). Here’s an ongoing example in Colorado
https://peer.org/rampant-grazing-trespassing-goes-unpunished/
https://www.fortmorgantimes.com/2023/08/21/blm-whistleblower-illegal-grazing-rio-grande-river
I really appreciate the information on the various alternates regarding grazing. Still boggles the mind that livestock grazing is "allowed" in a National Monument, but then - where isnt it? My particular grievance (which you have seen before) is still the allotments in almost every Wild Horse HMA (herd management area). I believe there might be a couple where its not allowed. In most of the HMAs, there are far more cattle & sometimes sheep than Wild Horses. And currently, the BLM is doing their very best to eliminate as many as they can (roundups presently going on).
OK - said my piece.
Again thank you, now I feel I have an idea of what Alternate I will press for.