--, <= pi t -. ,,£;1(\ \ \ " ~ ,"u "

___ =:"::,:,:"~ __ ,:,::,:",:,::,,,,:,,:,:,,:,,:,:,,,, -:,,::,~~~"::':"":;::':':':::~~~---l.:,;;';';';""'...... ,..-,The Paper for Peopie who Carela60ut the West • A sacrilegious proposal Is Colorado River water for sale?

government to build dams to store to the marketplace. The San Diego says: "There are many problems with _____ ,by Ed Marston water in anticipation of the day the County Water Authority is attempting' the San Diego idea. But I personally region's industrial and population he Central Arizona Project is at to lease "surplus" Colorado River don't believe it's impossible to come ships come in. least a year away from watering water from Colorado" Utah and up with a legal exporr scheme." A lawns, golf courses and crops in Wyoming. 1983 ,Colorado statute allows, the Now the Upper Basin states, by T export of water to be a beneficial use if seriously considering a le as ing the Phoenix area. But the multibillion- The attempt has created a furor dollar diversion of water out of the within California. Much of Southern it meets certain conditions. proposal, are implying that those Colorado River is already rearranging California has turned on San Diego. In Wyoming, the state's' wafer ships won't arrive for at least 15 to 20 the way water is viewed in the West. And the agency which sets Califor- officials continue to examine the years. They say' this against a In particular, the strains created by nia's water policy, the California proposal and to communicate with the backdrop of electric energy surplus, CAP could move water from a Colorado River Board, has condemned other basin states. flat coal demand, a dead copper commodity which is ,managed almost attempts to change the Law of the Most significantly, the leasing market, suffering agriculture, further totally in the political arena to one River to permit the leasing of water. proposal has revived a moribund declines in oil prices, and an oil shale subject to marketplace forces. CAP The staff of the Southern California water project. The Juniper' Cross industry kept breathing thanks only to could also force the Upper Basin states Metropolitan- Water District has also project on the still largely virgin a federal iron lung. of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming to expressed outrage over the proposal. Yampa River in northwest Colorado It is even possible to interpret the reassess the ways in which their Outside of California, Arizona's has been resurrected by the Colorado interest in the San Diego proposal as a economies will develop over the next top water. official, Wes Steiner, has River Water Conservancy District in 'permanent abandonment of hopes for half century. said bluntly that any attempt by San light of the interes t in exporting water. development, The conventional wis- The Central Arizona Project. is a Diego to lease Upper Basin water The facr that top officials in the .dorn is that water will always be worth perfect example of the way in which would end up in court. Steiner, who three Upper Basin states are much more to a Phoenix or LA. than politics rules water. It is being built calls the leasing proposals ridiculous, considering the lease proposal says to a Salt Lake City or Rock Springs. '" because several generations of is travelling the basin threatening to something about how they now see Thus; any 'lease' will be permanent. Arizona political leaders, with Con- sue. their economic futures. The water As time goes on; lease payments paid gressman Morris Udall (D) the latest, The reaction to what Arizona and which is to be leased is "surplus" .. by Southern California or Arizona to dedicated their careers to getting. much of Southern California see as water which the stares are entitled to the Upper Basin states will increase, Congress to appropriate money for its sacrilege has been different in the under the. te_rros of the sev.en.state 't} and the water will keep flowing Colorado River Compact. The Ideology _ construction. -"- - M- -'. Upper Basin. Colorado, Utah and downhill. But the construction, of CAP Wyoming have not committed to the in the Upper Basin states has always t is no coincidence rhat the idea combined with water developments in lease' proposal. But none have been that-that water will be put to use of water as a marketplace California has created strains which condemned it. In Utah, outgoing as the states develop coal, oil shale, commodity has, been pushed politics seems unable to accommo- Governor Scott Matheson (D) has electric power plants, snowmaking for I 'most. vigorously in recent years by date. As a result, San Diego County in expressed enthusiasm for the idea. In ski areas, and as their populations environmentalists. In particular, Brent Southern California has abandoned Colorado, Department' of Natural increase. The push in .the Upper BaSIn states has always been to "use it or the traditional political way in which Resources head David Getches, a [Continued on page 10) water decisions are made and turned prominent natural resources attorney, lose it" .. to convince the federal

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Yampa River in Yampa Canyon·;' Dinosaur National Mo,,*.ment, Colorado , , . , ligk,~co"nlr)l News .. October 29, 1984

Dear friends, , Today, the 35,000 acre range is in beautiful shape. The grazed sections Our not so new intern, Jeff Marti, are healthier than fenced test areas tells us Paonia surprised him: "It's a the cows haven't touched in 20 years. lot biggerthan I thought it would be." The ranchers and Forest Service still Since the town has 1400 residents disagree at times, but they share a and a two"block main street, we asked commitment to good management and him what he'd expected. "Lisa told a healthy range. me it had a Mexican restaurant, a There is a tendency in urban areas natural food store and a public radio to see ranchers as arrogant men on station, So I expected three build- horseback dominating the landscape ings.' _ and politics of their region. There are Lisa is Lisa Lombardi, HCN's last knights like that, hut the ranchers we intern, and it was she who filled] eff in know are working people who own over the phone on what to expect. To cows, land and grazing permits rather Lisa, an English graduate student at than the- tools of some other trade. Ll-Mass., Paonia did consist of just Unfortunately, these working people those three buildings. But when] eff are in trouble. arrived, he discovered the town also The tour was held on a beautiful has a .Gambles, a Western Auto, a day in a beautiful setting. But there non-health food store, a new town was a pall over it. - Ranchers are in hall, a fine library, and several beauty terrible financial shape, and the Jeff Marli parlors and tanning salons. ' people we toured with, members of policies will evolve so that the issues . Jeff, 21, is a native of New Ulm, families that have been on the same will someday rate only a grateful Minnesota, home of America's only land for several generations, are footnote saying" All is well." freestanding Glockenspiel. In ] an- under constant pressure to sell out to a uary, assuming the snows let him get "gentleman" rancher or to split the Speaking of HCN's future, we out of town, he will return to his senior land up for summer homes or hunting thank all those who have already re- year at Iowa State University, where cabins. Doris Miller, head of the local sponded to the 1984 Research Fund he majors In journalism and Cowbelles and a member of the tour, appeal. It is off to a very fine start, as - environmental studies. said the survival of the industry hinges page 14 shows. Envelopes are coming In addition to innumerable bulletin on whether it can change from one in at a higher rate than last year, boards (catch his masterpiece on perceived as feeding additives such as which makes us wonder if we've ...... "!,{../ "j. -" luxury skiing. in this issue), he has steroids to one which is producing a improved, or if your finanical condi- High- Country'. News, written stories on the publicity-mad healthful, necessary food. tion has improved. We hope it's a Wyoming poachers, a public meeting For the most part, HeN concen- combination of both, HIGH COUNTRY NEWS (ISSN/01911 on aspen cutting, and the Homestake trates on the grim side of the news. Finally, a certain number of past 5657) is published b-iweekly, except for one II water> project. In this issue, he But the range four reminded us that contributors have not yet received a- 'issue during August and one .issue during resource problems do get solved, It is mailing. In case you are feeling January, by the High Country News writes of grizzlies. at least possible that' the Forest neglected, that mailing is in the works Foundation, 224 Grand Avenue, Paonia, One of us (Ed Marston) recently Colorado, 81428. Second-class postage paid- at Service's road and tree-cutting although not yet in the mail. spent a day with 25 Forest Service Paonia, Colorado. policies and the BLM's grazlOg ~·the staff- POSTMASTER: Send address changes to people: Rocky Mountain regional HIGH COUNTRY NEWS, Box 1090, Paonia, CO forester Jim Torrence, forest super- :r: 81428t visors, district rangers and public Q Tom Bell \ aff)'irs officers from Colorado, South cdt/or Emerit.;ts 1. Dakota, and Wyoming, The retreat Ed Marstbn focused on press-agency relations and Publisher HCN was to be one of four papers HClSY Marston represented on a panel. But thanks to Editor a Denver area snowstorm, HeN was ) udy Moffatt the only paper to get over Guanella Promotion ~Pass to the Grant, Colorado dude !\Ia'rjane Ambler Carol Jones ranch. Glenn Oaklev At times during the discussion, Geoffrey Ot Gara there were a lot of people sitting with CL. Rawlins arms defensively crossed. But in Peter Wild Dan Whipple general, it was a good afternoon. -Contrib u nng Editors -:Whatever its other problems, the Mary Moran Forest Service has always attracted Editorial __ high quality people, and that quality )effMart.i overcame the natural testiness due a Intern newspaper that recently asked, "Can Nancy Barbee the Forest Service be reformed?" in a Circulation tone that said the answer was Linda Bilheimer probably no. Darkroom What became clear during the The Forest Service's Stu Adams, left, and a group of ranchers on a tour of a ca. Elliott' afternoon, evening and next morning Production Black Mesa grazing allotment. was - how like a diverse family the Judy Heideman Forest Service IS: the range of Typesetting personal and professional opinions Tom Bell, Lander WY was as broad as would be found on Michael Clark, Boulder CO any environmentalist retreat. If, in the Lynn Dickey, Sheridan WY future, the agency loosens up and Ranchers reap oil harvest Adam McLane, Helena, MY Geoff O'Gara , Lander Wy learns to make better use of its Garrett Ray, Littleton CO diversity and talent, their world and .Sorne Wyoming grazing lease the state and half to the lease holder. Kathy Roush, Florence MY" ours will improve. holders are paying less in grazing fees Schrinar says the originally '....reason- Herman Warsh, Emigrant, MY than they are receiving in land able" payments have become "exor- Robert Wigington, Boulder CO Speaking of forests, HCN two damage payments from industty. bitant" in some 'cases, leading to the Board of Directors months ago spent a day touring a State Land Commissioner Howard present situation. Articles appearing in High Country News Forest Service grazing allotment on Schrinar says he has identified eight The land commissioners board are indexed in Environmental Periodicals Colorado's Black Mesa with 20 Bibliography, Environmental Studies l nstirure , lease holders who are making a profit recently adopted a recommendation ranchers and rancher's wives, who 2074 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, from the land damage payments, from Schrinar to continue to split the also happen to be neighbors, and with California 93103 including a "worst' case" in which. a . damage payments until" the lease AU rights to publication of ~rtides in this Forest Service range specialist Stu lease holder has gained nearly $34,000 holder receives an amount equal to his issue are reserved. Write for permission to Adams. The tour was arranged by print any articles or illustrations. Contributions over a 20-month period. Schrinar says grazing fees. Excess payments will be Carton Meek of Maher, who is head of (manuscripts; photos, artwork) will be most of the eight "profitable" grazing put in an escrow account until the welcomed with the understanding that the the Black Mesa Cattle Pool, a leases are in Campbell County, where board adopts a new policy, editors cannot be held responsible for loss or .ccopcrative of ranchers who run, their damage. Enclose a self-add res sed 'stamped oil 'and gas activity is high, ' Schrinar ~ould like to use the cattle together on the mesa. envelope with al] unsolicited submissions to Lessees or Virginia. Pilots already statement," he wrote. "If, in my discussed. A final statement was were flying 600 supersonic missions a opinion, it is warranted, I will direct released last June. month over White Sands Missile adjustments of operations to mitigate Residents' main concerns were Range. problems and/ or initiate action to about possible long-terrnbealth and Under the compromise reached in explore expansion or adjustment of environmental effects of daily sonic September, the test flight area has the boundaries." booms, annoyance caused by the been reduced by 75 percent .. from Led by the commission, the county disruptive sounds and the possibiliry 2,000 square miles to 500 square had threatened to 'sue the Air Force to of a loss of tourism to the area.> . Wyoming Governor Ed Herschler miles. The new region covers only stop the flights. AJbuquerque attorney has called on the oil and gas industry Although Vackar said the county's national forest land, with scattered John Kelly, who represents Catron to live up to its public responsibility. residents still think the Air Force livestock its main residents. County, said a lawsuit still was In a speech' before the Rocky should not be flying supersonic Vackar said about 5 percent of the possible if the Air Force did not honor Mountain Oil and Gas Association missions over private citizens, he is county's residents would be directly its decision. earlier this month, Herschler said the pleased with the compromise. I affected by the flights, which will "Before, the most we could have companies should pay full compensa- "If.we can't keep them out of the result in two to three sonic booms a accomplished was' a delay of the tion for production of publicly owned county, this is the next best thing," he day. flights," he said. "But now, if the Air oil and gas. "Wyoming's experience said. "We feel rhe Air Force has The supersonic dogfights, to be Force exceeds noise levels stared in with royalty collection efforts over the' hasically decided to put up or. shut conducted only between i a.m. and the environmental impact statement, past fWO years leaves little doubt that up," nighrfall on weekdays, will begin it can be forced to stop flying or our state has not received the royalties .. Nancy Harbert January I with 100 a month. That comply with "the statement." to which it's entitled," Herschler said. "In reality, we placed too much faith . in the honesty of industry." Herschler Peregrine falcons .are flown to new home also called on the industry to solve the problem of access in a "checker-. board" land pattern, where private Virtually the entire population of ham, was forced to move by an individual cardboard box, and then captive breeding peregrine-falcons in construction of a freeway interchange delivered to the new site in a and public land border each other. the' West .. 119 of the endangered near the former Ft. Collins site, canvas-sided truck trailer donated for Herschler noted that the oil and gas species .. were flown September 13 The new site, located south of use by Boise-Cascade Corp. The birds industry is crucial to Wyoming as the single largest industry in the state. from Ft. Collins, Colorado to the new Boise not far from the Birds of Prey were flown in two planes so that all World Center for Birds of Prey' in Natural Area, includes four buildings 119 birds would not perish in event of -A WPPSSripple Boise, Idaho. to house the falcons (with about 20 a crash. The birds, including three Arctic cham hers in each building) and a Burnham hopes the peregrines will A $20.5 million ripple from the gyrfalcons and the only' four South combination office, laboratory' and produce ioo new offspring next spring multi-billion-dollar WPPSS . sinking African tieta falcons in captivity, food production facility. to be released into the wild. The just washed over Pacific Power and belong to the Peregrine Fund. The The birds were flown to Boise in peregrine was extirpated from most of Light. The utility had attempted ro organization, headed by Bill Burri- two'Forest Service OC·3s, each bird in its range, a victim of pesticide raise rates ,to its 100,000 Wyoming c;-; poisoning. The Peregrine Fund was customers to pay "their" share of the ";; ;;;- ~ founded in 1970 to help save the raptor utility's lost $182 million investment in ~ from extinction and reintroduce it to the proposed WPPSS and Pebble its former habitat. Springs nuclear plants. But the U.S. The world center is affiliated with Supreme Court this month let stand a Boise State University and the Bureau Wyoming Supreme Court decision of Land Management. . saying Wyoming had had no role in the investment decision and therefore .. Glenn Oakley no responsibility to help pay for it. Red Rim replay Wyoming rancher TayJor Law- renee, who fenced antelope out of the You can go home again. Red Rim area near Rawlins, has put Once upon a time, jeans were his China Butte Coal Company into rough wear for-farmers and other rural bankruptcy proceedings.' The ftrm and working .people. Then jeans owes the BLM $1, I million in coal moved to the ciry and hecame high lease payments, in addition to other fashion. Now, judging by an item in debts, Meanwhile, a repeat of lasr the Central Idaho Star-News, they're winter's uproar over the fencing is going pack to their roots. The Central possible. A land and mineraJs swap Jdaho Valley County Extension Service proposed by Lawrence to solve the .. a government.fundedgroup devoted probJem was rejected by the to helping farm families improve their Department of Interior. And negotia- lot .. is holding a series of four tions to. again take down the fence The media welcome a peregrine falcon to its new home ~I Boise,' Idaho's new World . Designer Jeans Workshops in McCall, have not produced results, even as 'the Center for Birds of Prey. BillJ3urnha11!" lower rig~t. Idaho, snow begins to accumulate. '.

_..':~? ... """""' ...... _ ...... ~.!u~!~~ ...... 0 ' ..""' _ 4High Country News -- October 29, 1984 After the hoe, what is the best weed killer?

Wild borses and burros, Many farmers and ranchers lose and nematodes can be...... ··used to to be removed thousands of dollars yearly as their biologically control we-eds and pests. crops and forage are crowded out of In Australia, "-for example, a fields and rangeland by noxious weeds . 60-miJjion-acr~' onslaught of prickly such as knapweed , pigweed, dogbane pear cactus has almost been entirely and death camas, They want help fast, destroyed by moth borers introduced and often turn to herbicides such a\ from Argentina. The borers (Cacro Roundup, 2,4.-0 and Tordon to battle blastis cactorum) kill the cactus by infes ta tions. tunneling through underground roots Others argue that the world is and bulbs, In the, western United States, St. already inundated with poisonous deot-n chemicals. Some compounds are now ) ohnsworr, a poisonous range weed, is found in breast milk in concentrations being co ntr ol Ied by leaf-eating higher than levels allowed in dairy beetles. And long-snouted seed head weevils are attacking thistles. Also, products, What about biological --~.... control? they ask. Can'r wefigbr bugs knapweed is being subjected to gaul and weeds without further contamin- flies imported from Europe and a anng our food chain by adding native fungus that has shown great chemicals? ,s' success in tests. To look at weed and pest control- .... she said. "We should be asking our But bio-conrrols take time. Their issues, the Institute of the Rockies,j government for alternatives." That's use 15 often characterized by non-profit educational -organi~~tlon unlikely now, she indicated, because alternating waves of effectiveness and based in Missoula, Moorana, arrang- "most of the research done in ineffectiveness, as weeds and their ed 17 forums held in Montana, universities is funded by chemical attackers surge and resurge for Wild horse roundup Idaho, Washington and Oregon during companies." She also said that one in control. There is little doubt that chemical and mechanical methods are An amendment by Idaho. Senator September and October. Tided "The four persons now contract some form of cancer in their lifetime; that ratio faster. Results are quickly impressive. Jim Mcf.Iure to remove and maintain Chemical Agenda," the forums Grass yields in Wy.oming increased excess wild horses and burros was featured speakers with many points of will rise to two out of four by the year "400 percent after sagebrush was approved by Ptesident Reagan this view. ,,' ~ 2000, removed. And a 1971 study cited in month. That provision, attached to the .;' ~.The series began in Missoula on Wilson, representing stockgrowers "Weed Science: Principle and Prac- Continuing Resolution .. an omnib1,ls,- September 21 at a forum attended by owning 1,400,000 catrle , told how his tices" showed forage consumption by appropriations bill -- will.c-provide about 75 folks, Speakers included Dr. own herd of cattle was recently struck cattle increased 1,000 pounds per acre $17,081,000 for the-Bureau of Land Alben Borgman, a University of with mysterious abortions, deforma- after spraying with 2,4-0, Management"';o remove approxi- Montana philosophy professor; Dr. tion and death. Scientists at Montana But chemical methods .are expen- . , ,- rnarely 17,000 of the animals and Peter Fay, a weed and soil scientist for State University discovered lupine sive and the long-term effects of maintain them for at least a year. The . Montana State University; LuAnn poisoning, an alkaloid affliction of the complex compounds in the food chain BLM estimates the carrying capacity Scott-Bergin, the inland regional central nervous system. coordinator for the Northwest Coali- The urgency of ridding his forage is not known. of rhe rangelands ro be around 25,Oao The Chemical Agenda series was head, but about 60,000 wild horses tion for Alternatives to Pesticides of lupine required herbicides. Wilson primarily sponsored by the Northwest and burros roam public lands in the (NCAP); and] imme Wilson, president said biological controls are roo slow. But Wilson did not advocate one Area Foundation of St. Paul, west. of the Montana Srockgrowers Associa- Minnesota through a grant to the tion. method over the other. Rather, h'e ETSI goes on tbe . Borgman, whose specialty is - explained benefits and drawbacks of Institute of the Rockies written by legal offensive technology and society, referred to both and called for facts to end the project coordinator Jeffry Smith. Area Amory Lovins '~.ideas on "hard and "fairy tales about things we do n?t co-sponsors also contribute. Sponsors of a cancelled coal slurrt soft" energy paths. He said our understand. ' , pipeline have taken to the' courts in --Chris Volk national policy' is clearly committed to Bacteria,, fungi, viruses, protozoa quest of $2,8 billion, The Energy the search for weed and pest solutions .Tr ansporr Systems, Inc (ETSI) only through "hard" chemical partners say the money is owed them techniques. As an alternative, Borg- . because of illegal antitrust acts CBS News gets mauled man urged the audience to consider committed by Burlington Northern, .,softer" biological coorrols that are Grizzly bears continue to make the city council there has been trying Missouri Pacific, K~nsas City South- effective and harmless though more news. A CBS Evening News report in to pass an ordinance requiring ern, Union Pacific, and Chicago and precanous_ In their guaranteed early October suggested that this bear-proof garbage containers. There North Western .railroads. The rail- success. summer's rash of grizzly attacks in is a legal squabble, however, over roads made no secret of their Fay, however, presented slides on Wyoming and Montana were due to whether the county or disposal district opposition, They refused to grant "How I Became an Advocate of the use of the tranquilizer Sernylan on has the authority to impose a container ETSI right-of-way beneath, their Pesticide Use," He showed photos of grizzlies for management or research policy, Meanwhile, grizzly bears are tracks, they fought eminent domain crops in the Philippines where his purposes. still in the area. legislation for coal slurry lines in work with the Peace Corps tripled rice Bear experts interviewed by the Elsewhere, near Valier, Montana, Congress, and they cut rates to production from 60 to 200 bushels per Casper Star-Tribune promprly called authorities are puzzled over the utilities courted by ETSL The question acre through the use of chemicals. that claim "far-fetched" and "sloppy discovery of a strangely mutilated is: did these and other actions violate Next, Fay switched to North Dakota journalism.' , grizzly bear carcass. Someone had federal antitrust laws? A federal grand where, he said, farmers lost $250 CBS had interviewed rwo bear- apparenrly used a portable band saw jury convened last spring in Chicago is million during his first y.ear in school attack victims who were convinced to cut away the entire lower half of the asking the same question. there due to an influx of wild oats. The their mauler was "crazy." The- report b,,-ar,. and the upper half of the The Forest Seruice Chinese, he said, take 35 hours to also related an incident in which a forearm and hindlegs had been cut hand weed an acre of wild oats, while camper near Yellowstone National away by splitting the bones length- cancels an aspen sale in the United States an acre can be Park was killed in' 1983 by a bear wise, All of the rib cage and intestinal In a compromise, the U.S. Forest sprayed in 71 seconds. which had been tranquilized with cavity had also been removed. The hide, skull, and claws -- the Service has cancelled the 1,400 acre He asserted that pesticides and Sernylan "at least 11 times." Red Canyon aspen timber sale in herbicides are relatively safe, pointing Since small doses of Sernylan, usually valuable parts -- of the four- year-old grizzly were left untouched, Western Colorado (HeN, W/l5/84), out that tens of thousands of 'people better known as "angel dust" or PCP The aspens would almost certainly die on highways each year, but only 40 (phencyclidine hydrochloride) are Authorities have not been able to have been bought by Louisiana to 50 deaths result from pesticides. known 'to cause hallucinations and figure out who did it or why, Pacific, which owns a nearby Scott-Bergin, representing the extreme violent behavior in humans, --Jeff Marti waferboard plant. Under the compro- Northwest Coalition, an Oregon-based the CBS report said that PCP has mise, the Forest Service and two group of]O organizations, countered similarly affected the bears, environmental groups (the Western Fay's assertion with her own But Larry Roop, a Wyoming Game Slope Energy Research Council and statistics. She said there are about and Fish Department biologist, told BABBS Western Colorado Congress) which 50,000 pesticides and herbicides on the paper that the effects of PCP on ~= appealed the-sale, will jointly work on the market containing 600 to 1,000 humans and bears cannot be equated. Darn those Arabs! a new environmental assessment and widely used active ingredients. But "It has as much credibility as saying It turns out that OPEC played an aspen-cutting guidelines. Gunnison- only 77 of these are registered and people who take nitroglycerine for even dirtier trick on us than we had Uncompahgre-Grand Mesa National guaranteed safe by the federal heart disease are going to fall dead in thought- Not only did they turn gas Forest Supervisor Ray Evans said: government- She charged that the the streets when their chests guzzlers into, dinosaurs, but they also , 'As. a result of criticism that public registration process is not only explode:' doomed scores of nuclear power plants concerns were not -adequarely ad- glacially slow but corrupt. Montana's Great Falls Tnoune reponed a different kind of bear by their 1973 embargo and price hikes, dressed, I have decided that our Scott-Bergin also attacked the The Atomic Industrial Forum said that proposal should be reevaluated," The risk-benefit analysis format used for controversy. The city of West Yellowstone is beset by grizzly bears the resulting energy conservation same twO groups continue to contest assessing chemicals. "If a chemical rummaging through garbage, Upon killed scores of nuclear power plants. another aspen sale in the Lone Cone provides $1 worth of benefit for the recommendations of the federal But the AIF is optimistic that nuclear area and to challenge the Fifty Year someone and 90 cents of cancer for Inte;ragency Grizzly Bear Committee, power can be revived. : Plan for the forests, someone else, then it's approved,"

\ ' October 29, 1984 -- High CountryNeurs-y Matheson, Redford testify against a Canyonlands dump

A Congressional field hearing in "We have cconduc tcd extensive painted by some that we are unable to early October on the Canyonlands reviews and evaluations of each of the properly analyze the situation because nuclear dump controversy turned into nine sites individually. and as each dollars get in the way. We are plain a modern Western showdown. compares to one another ... " talking, honest people with common Congressman Mo Udall (D-AZ) For the first time, DOE, also sense. If we decide that the' DOE is squared off against Cal Black, the admitted that "duting site characteri- trying to put something over on us, outspoken county-commissioner from zation there may be some temporary you will hear from us." ,# southern Utah. Utah's outgoing and minor impacts on Canyonlands San Juan County Commissioner Governor Scott Matheson (D) took Nationai Park." These impacts Cal Black told Udall "the majority of parting shots at the Department of include "Sky-glow from night lighting our people are in favor of continued Energy's "inept process" for select- at the site would be perceptible from studies and testing. If results indicate ing a site for America's first high-level some locations within the Park ... the suitability and safety in all nuclear waste repository. Noise from one or two blasts each day respects, "we would favor the Democratic gubernatorial candi- might be heard during the initial two repository for the following-reasons: date Wayne Owens argued with weeks of exploratory shaft construc- economic benefits f-Or San Juan tion ... portions of one of the possible , County and Utah. This would be the Republican Congressman Howard railroad access routes could be visible Nielson about the most desirable largest single capital outlay project in at a distance from parts of the Park." forms of economic development in· the history of the state of Utah. There southern Utah. But they were all A number of witnesses brought up would be about 1,000 direct jobs for a upstaged by Robert Redford's return the larest. controversy surroun .....ding period of at least 40 years." to the political spotlight. ' DOE's site selection process. Energy In coming out against a nuclear Secretary Donald Hodel, while on a For nearly a decade, Redford has waste repository in Canyonlands, campaign swing through Texas in avoided the" political arena because of Redford is risking the renewal of the September,. said that the two Texas Utah's hostility his stand against old Kaiparowits controversy, in which to sites under study for a nuclear wasre the proposed Kaiparowits power plant he was hung in effigy in Kanab. ' dump have been eliminated due to in the mid·1970s, But with the canyon public pressure and the political clout .T m often accused of being country facing yet another major of Texas' Congressional delegation. anti·development," said Redford. industrial challenge, Redford returned "L'm not. I recognize that we live in a to the fray: "The thought of Hodel's statement, coming three development-oriented society. The combining a National Park 'and a months before the. release of the question is not if we develop, but nuclear repository is, to me, an Environmental Assessments upon how. " absurdity. ' , which his decision is supposed to be - In his closing comments, Redford Redford's testimony before Udall's based, fanned concern in Utah that charged that' 'Whenever there exists site selection wiII based on politics Committee on Interior and Insular be a hazardous project, or material that Affairs was the climax of an eight-hour rather than geology, hydrology and _ no one knows quite what to do with, public safety. hearing in Salt Lake City attended by Robert Redford everyone looks to the West. I would Udall said of Hodel's statement: an audience of several hundred, I'm not going to prejudge them, or suggest that there exists a tiresome. ''I'm not gomg to tangle with including a small crowd of reporters, interfere with the process." inherent bias that always tilts the scale Secretary Hodel just yet, though I photographers and TV cameramen. Udall's hearing opened with to the western wastelands where no Redford's testimony helped focus Governor Scott Matheson and a panel think he's stretched things a bit too one lives. national attention on DOE's proposal of five state experts sitting at far." He also said, "We're not going "Well, Hor one have lived here, to put this repository-in the state with to bury nuclear reactor wastes within a the witness table "racing the Con- and I know that these lands are far the least political clout. We're going to mile of Canyonlands National Park. gressional committee .. from worthless, far from warranring put it in the state where it will be "Utah has always been for me a place "Intuitively I have been skepti- the ruthless, highly speculative safest.' , like no other," said Redford, cal," said Matheson, "about a siting imposition of radioactive nuclear Hodel also said in Texas that there "especially southern Utah and its process that produces sites for waste. 1 believe it is time that the are "friendly states" that would canyons, where Congress has chosen America's first nuclear waste reposi- government reassess its approach to welcome a nuclear waste repository. to designate four National Parks. Now, tory adjacent to a National Park, ten western lands. Otherwise, in its When a Utah reporter asked him if for the past twenty-two years I have miles 'from the major river in the neglect, ignorance and shortsighted- Utah was one 'of those friendly states; watched Utah evolve. 1 came here southwestern United States." ness, it will sacrifice something wholly Hodel said yes. today to ensure that that evolution Matheson repeated his charge that irreplaceable: rhe American West." Though this might come as a does. not destroy what I, and many DOE has failed to gather sufficient surprise to Governor Matheson and to ..Chnstopher McLeod others, believe are unique and data upon which to base its decision to Utah citizens, who, polls show, oppose rr irreplaceable assets which ought to be select three final sites for intensive the dump, there

If the only conservation Issue neither the Clean Watet Act, the Safe before the U.S. Congress had been Drinking Water Act, or the Clean Air Wilderness, the 98th Session would Act were reauthorized. The latter died have been a smashing .succe.55. Over as part of Washington's continued 8.3 million acresv including 6 million inability to deal with the question of acres in National Forests, were acid rain (HeN, 9/3/84). designated wilderness in 20 bills. That Oil and gas leasing. In another ----isa 35 percent increase in Lower 48 area, thanks to strong opposition from Wilderness -- the total is now 32 Senator Malcolm Wallop (R-WY), a million acres. It is the most additions bill to outlaw oil and gas leasing to rake place in a single year. lotteries run by the Buteau of Land. Moreover, two state bills which Management was defeated. Wyoming conservationists saw as worse thari Secretary of State Thyra Thomson . nothing -- Montana's and Idaho's -- deplored the defeat, saying the lottery were beaten back, locking up existing has cost Wyoming almost $100million roadIess land while a RARE III srudy over the past seven years. The is done. A Colorado bill with program has also.been hit by scandals. objectionable language on federal Synthetic Fuels. Environment- reserved water rights also went down, alists, even with help from the Reagan to defeat, but this was seen as a - Administration, proved unable, to setback for conservationists. Conser~- disembowel the Synthetic Fuels vationists won a key policy battle on , Corporation: $5.4 billion was taken release language. Thanks to the from the Corp's treasury in the closing adoption of "soft" release language, hours of the 98th. But $5.7·billionwas acreage not made wilderness this time left tofund eight synfuels projects thai around can be reconsidered in the next have SFC letters of intent. That ten to 15 years. includes two large Colorado oil shale . . .But with a conservative, Republi- projects: Union Oil's $2.7 billion can-controlled Senate and a public Phase II project and the Cathedral .works-minded Democratic House, Bluff's $2.2 billion project . many conservation-supported mea- However, President Ronald sures ran into trouble. For example, Reagan may have partially double- Wyoming succeeds where Colorado and Montana fail

Wyoming. After five years of population is, language was put in the had language negating a Sierra Club close to a carbon copy of the Forest .struggle, Wyoming has a Wilderness bill allowing development of the Stage lawsuit aimed at forcing the federal Service acreage recommendation. \ Act. It puts 884,000 acres in II and proposed 'Stage III water government to claim reserved water Wilderness, 190,000acres into further projects despite the creation of rights in Wilderness areas. Water Montana. Politically, Montana is study, and releases 3 million acres to wilderness areas on the Medicine Bow interests saw such reserved rights as a more liberal and more pro-conserva- .multiple use. With the 2.2 million National Forest. threat to water development. tion than Utah, Arizona or W yorning, acres already protected in the Bridger, Water interests in Western which all passed bills. Yet the W·ashakie, Fitzpatrick and Beartooth- In the Overthrust Belt in the Colorado have used Wilderness as a Montana Wilderness bill didn't even Absaroka Wildernes~es, it gives west, the 136,000·acte Palisades shield against rransmountain water get as close to passage as the Idaho Wyoming over 3 million acres of area was left in Wilderness Study. It diversions to the rapidly growing bill. And the problems which sank it wilderness. That is 5 percent of the allows 'oil and gas exploration, Denver area. Reserved water rights, ate far from resolved. state, and one third of the National including the Getty well in Little which would keep water flowing in Led by Senator John Melcher (D), Forest land. . Granite Creek, if Getty can win its streams at high altitudes I could serve the Montana delegation has announc- Conservationists, aided by Con- lawsuit. the same purpose. But the main policy ed it' will bring back' the bill it gressman John Seiberling (D-OH), The new Wilderness. areas are:_ body for Western Colorado water, the introduced in Iune 1984:747,000 acres had adamantly refused to accept the Cloud Peak, 195,000 acres; Popo Agie, Colorado River Water Conservancy of Wilderness; 507,000acres of special the Wyoming delegation's proposed 102,000; Gros 'Ventre, 287,000; District, strongly backed the Arm- management; and 5 million acres of 600,000-acte bill, and they seemed J edediah Smith (westslope of Tetons), strong bill. It cited the threat posed to roadless land released to multiple use . more pleased than industry by the law. .l17,000; Huston Patk, 31,000; En- Yampa Rivet development by possible On the orher side, the 45-group Tom Dougherty, former president of campment River, 10,000; Platte River, reserved water rights claims by Wildlands Coalition is intent on seeing the Wyoming Wildlife Federation, 22,000; Winega·r Hole, 14,000; Dinosaur National Monument on the a new bill introduced .- one which is said, "I felt it's a really positive step. Corridor Addition to Teton Wilder- Colorado-Urah border. The group did cIose to its Alternative W proposal of It's noteverything we wanted, but it's ness, 28,000; Silver Cteek Addition to not discuss diversions out of the 1.9 million acres in Wilderness. Aside a whole lot mote than we had." Larry Bridget, 15,000; Newfork Lake Rockies to the Front Range. from the enormous disparity In Mehlhaff of the Sierra Club praised it Addition to Bridger, 21,000; Glacier. A similar array of Front Range acreage, the approaches differ On as a "good start." Addition to Fitzpatrick Wilderness, water interests succeeded earlier in But a Wyoming timber representa- 6,000; South. Fork Addition to the session in killing Wild Rivet status several particularly controversial areas,' including the Rocky Mountain tive called the bill "crazy" and Rick Washakie Wilderness, 10,000; and for the Cache-Laf'oudre River on the Front, where the mountains (and the Robitaille of the Petroleum Associa- High Lakes Addition to Beartooth- Front Range. grizzlies) meet Montana's Great tion of Wyoming said: 'Fhe bill was Absaroka, 24,000 acres. Colorado had a Wilderness bill Plains, and the West and North Big •'held hostage by an Ohio congress- The Wilderness Study Areas are passed in 1980,so it is not subject to a Hole areas on the Upper Missouri man who does not have the best Palisades, 136,000 acres; High Lakes, RARE. III process. This time, River near the Idaho border. interests & Wyoming at heart." A 15,000acres; and Shoal Creek, 30,000 environmentalists had wanted 1.2 spokesman for Louisiana-Pacific's mill acres. million acres protected; the House had Three of the four members of the near Dubois said that the new Gros Colorado. A coalition of East and passed 600,000 acres; Senator Gary Montana delegation face election Ventre Wilderness east of Jackson West Slope water interests killed the Hart (D) had proposed 729,000 acres. contests next month: Senator Max Hole will eventually hUrt that mill. . Colorado Wilderness Bill in the last Armstrong's last minute introduc- Baucus (D), and Congressmen Pat Two key compromises let the bill moments of the 98th Congress. The tion of a 443,OOO-acrebillwhich raised: Williams (D), who represents the be passed. The Republican delegation House had passed a 600;000-a,ctebill . the new water issue was bitterly generally liberal western mountainous traded additional Wilderness acreage - in late July. But a bill introduced by criticized by environmentalists. part of the 'state, and Ron Marlenee to Seiberling for special exemptions on Senator William Armstrong (R) late in Michael Scott of the Wilderness (R), who represents the more land that has water and mineral the session called for only 443,000 Society said Armstrong had promised conservative plains .... potential. In the southeast comer of acres. to introduce a bill 15 months before he the 'state, where most of Wyoming's More important, Armstrong's bill did. The bill he did introduce was --the staff October 29, 1984 -- High Country News-7 crossed conservative synfuels support· Office of Management and Budget shepherded by Arizona's Congress- roxie waste cleanup sites from 542 to ers such as Senators Bill Armstrong head David Stockman, was an man Mo Udall (D), will provide a 786, another branch was urging the (R-CO) and) ames McClure (R-ID) by environmentalist ally on water constant flow of funds from electric U.S. Congress to reject increased appoinring two anti-synfuels people to projects. In an orgy of .elecrion-year power sales to help pay for the Central funding for the program. The House of the Synfuels Corp's board of directors. pork barrelling, Congress loaded the Arizona Project (HCN, 6/11/84). Even Representatives passed a bill increas- The two opponents are lameduck final appropriations bill with $6 billion more important, water and public ing Superfund iunding Irq $1.6 Congressman Tom Corcoran (R-IL) in projects, many of which had never power interests beat back an .attcmpr, billion to $10.1 billion, and extended its life for five years. But the Senate and Paul MacAvoy, an economist. been authorized by Congress. A veto called the "Boxer Rebellion after Finance Committee, under urging Both have spoken out against threat and a desire to go home caused Congresswoman Barbara Boxer (D- from the EPA, said more. information government loan guarantees and price Congress to delete the projects. CA), to sell federal power out of was needed, and successfully urged supports to synfuels firms, and Lost in that bit of election-year Hoover at market value. defeat. The taxes which support the Corcoran actively worked against the gluttony were several- projects that But public power interests also lost SFC in rhe Congress. Reagan also had paid their Congressional dues and in the 98th. The nation's 1,000 REAs, Superfund expire September 30, 1985. or Rural Electric Cooperatives, failed nominated a former coal company would have had money appropriated Timber bat/out. After three years in their attempt to put $8 billion they executive and synfuels supporter to in a normal year. Wyoming Senator of debate, the Congress passed an owe the U.S. Treasury m to a the board. He is Eric Reichl. There are Malcolm Wallop was especially angry estimated $1 billion bailout of timber permanent revolving fund they could still two vacancies on the SFC board, that the authorized $106 million companies in the Northwest which borrow from at low interest rates. The which was hit with conflict of interest expansion of the Buffalo Bill dam near bought Forest Service timber :-1 1980 bill was opposed by Reagan, the U.S. charges and other behavior which Cody had gone down because of the at vastly inflated prices. The relief bill Chamber of Commerce, and even resulted in several resignations. other projects. Unlike many projects, doesn't let the companies holding $2.9 some senators from rural states like the state of Wyoming had agreed to billion in inflated-price contracts off Momentum seems to be running Alan Simpson (R-WY). Unless the bill put up 40 percent of the project's cost. totally free. They must pay 30 percenr toward funding of the Colorado passes in the next session, electric Also defeated, this time by 'of the differe-nce between their bid projects. But the appointment of two Congress on its own initiative, was a rates to rural consumers are likely to price and a minimum price to be opponents could be crucial. The start an upward climb as the REAs' bill proposed by Senator James established by the Forest Service. In proposed Union and CoB projects both cost of borrowing rises. Abdnor (R-SD) that would have addition, to assuage timber producers depend on Union's technology. And • A-76. Congress delayed for at least required state or local governments to in the Southeast, an annual cap of 12.5 for a year now, Union has been unable four years implementation of the A-76 pay up to 50 percent of the cost of billion board feet per year of timber to get its $650 million Phase I project, contracting-our program for National water projects. Cost sharing is seen as production is put on production in the which has - federal price guarantees Parks, the Bureau of Land Manage- a device to keep out the most Oregon and Washingcon National starring at $42.50 a barrel, to produce ment and the Fish and Wildlife unreasonable projects by requmng Forests. The bill will mainly benefit shale oil. Service (HCN, 4/16/84). The Nation- local money. larger firms, such as Louisiana-Paci- al Parks, especially Glacier, have As of this writing, Union say~ it is Some water projects did get fic, Boise-Cascade, Roseburg and strongly objected to attempts by the close to producing shale oil. But even approved. Colorado and New Mexico's Champion International. once oil begins to flow, it must also Animas-LaPlata Project got its first Department of Interior to force them RCRA. Congress strengthened the "run close enough to the 10,000 barrel $1 million. Also approved in Colorado to contract our certain services. This Resource Conservation and Recovery per day design capacity to make a sort was $1.3 million to buy ranch land on law now puts contracting out off by Act of 1976 by regulating those who of economic sense. It is at least the north rim of the Black Canyon of four years, but requires parks to produce small quanririe- of waste, possible that the two synfuels the Gunnison National Monument analyze rheir maintenance costs and regulating underground storage opponents will be able to insist that (HCN,IO/15/84). procedures. ' tanks, limiting land and underground the Union technology be proven before Public power. Despite the last Superfund. Even as one branch of disposal of hazardous wastes, and so $4.9 billion in contracts are signed minute water defeats, water interests , the Environmental Protection Agency ....on. with the Colorado firms. did well earlier in the 98th. Passage of expanded the number of Superfund --the staff Water projects. Reagan, through the Hoover Dam turbine rewind bill,

The Idaho -wilderness fight ends in bitter stalemate

by Pat Ford McClure and Seiberling also wilderness were won two to one in for Idaho was just over 1 million acres; created a "ten-year hold" category -- testimony' and 16 to one in letters by it is unlikely to change much .in RARE Despite a unified Congressional lands to remain as is until the second Idaho conservationisrs . During Seiber- 1Il. delegation and a hard Ig-month effort round of National Forest plans around ling's August 1984 five-day tour of A few conclusions .about rhe led by powerful senior Senator James 1995. Idaho conservationists became Idaho roadless areas, conservationists 18-month long fight can be drawn: McClure, no Idaho wilderness legisla- anxious as acreage numbers and areas greeted him at every stop. Thanks to "eThe key event leading to the tion passed the 98th Congress. Future were shuttled around the various Recreational Equipment, Inc. and stalemate was the delegation's management ofIdaho's 9 million-plus categories and Seiberling kept talking. hundreds of individ~al donors, some unveiling of its ten-area, 526,000 acre roadless acres -. above the 3.8 million The delegation claims it made four 20 Idaho wilderness leaders spent proposal containing hard release acres already in the wilderness system separate proposals. But about 500,000 perhaps 100 total days in Washington language, which infuriated conserva- -- remains to be determined. acres difference remained after both D.C. "We found overwhelming public rionists. The delegation's 526,000-acre bill sides made their final offers. support from Idahoans for wilder- e'The delegation bill spawned a designating 5 percent of the lands at ness," Weisner said. new organization, the Idaho Sports- stake- as wilderness and releasing the "Senator McClure blamed the result Seiberling was impressed by the mans Coalition, to give Idaho hunters remainder was refused by Representa- on national environmental groups and wilderness arguments of Idaho and fishers greater political force. The tives ) ohn Seiberling and Morris Udall eastern lawmakers who "ignored the Department of Fish and Game Sportsmans Coalition joined the Idaho (Udall chairs the House Interior vast majority of Idahoans who don't personnel, 'who accompanied him Conservation League and the Sierra Committee and Seiberling its Subcorn- want more wilderness." "He's dead nearly everywhere on his tour. "They Club as the most active opponents of mirtee on Public Lands). They also wrong," responded Craig Gehrke of were very professional, unemotional, the bill. refused the delegation's final cornpro- the Idaho Conservation League. "He with strong factual arguments based -Governor Evans made everyone rruse offer 662,000 acres of couldn't get a bill for his own state on fish and wildlife," Weisner unhappy. Sen. Steve Symms took the Wilderness and nearly 900,000 acres because he wasn't representing his recalled. Seiberling's two million-acre lead in voicing the all-Republican in two separate study categories. own people. " . package closely paralleled Fish and delegation's growing ire with the Andy Weisner, chief staffer for The Idaho delegation on its side Game's official proposal. Governor. The timber industry refused Seiberling's final compromise Rep. Seiberling'S subcommittee, said, accused him of double-dealing. proposal of around two million acres "Congressman Seiberling was in Finally, the aide cited a national Conservationists were variously an- total in Wilderness and study. Idaho for five days and talked to argument. "Jdaho is absolutely gered and disappointed by Evans' own Negotiations broke down over three everyone on all sides. He just spectacular in the lower 48 for die wilderness proposal of 1.2 million key areas: Mallard-Larkin in north concluded after that that we couldn't vastness of its wildland. Most bf its acres. accept non-wilderness for those Idaho;· the South Fork Salmon River; present wilderness is in only one area eldahos timber industry is III areas." (Mallard-Larkin, South Fork ._and the Pioneer Mountains northeast of the state. People think there's a lot uncertain condition. Idaho Forest Salmon, Pioneers). The Forest Service of Sun Valley. of protected wildland in Idaho, but if Industry Council head ) o'e Hinson itself -made big wilderness recom- A flurry of activity in the last three you combine wilderness and roadless worked hard on the bill, but the timber mendations for those areas, and the weeks almost produced a bill. parkland, California, Washington, companies and workers rarely went delegation wouldn't even accept Repre s e ntarives Peter Kostmayer Montana, and Wyoming all have more 'beyond appearing at the hearings in those, much less what we thought was (D-Pennsylvania) and ) im Moody than Idaho. With this situation, we low to moderate numbers. Boise needed. Cong rcs sman Seiberling (D-Wisconsin), who had toured Idaho thought it was very important to have Cascade, southern Idaho's dominant worked very hard for a bill, but we areas with Seiberling in August, a good bill, not just a bill." firm, did little. The industry has couldn't get there." introduced the Idaho Wildlands Wilderness action now moves to problems more pressing than wilder- . Defense Coalition's bill designating Seiberling refused to go below rwo Idaho's ten National Forests, which ness: Employment is down from 3.4 million acres as wilderness. Within million acres for three reasons. A will analyze roadless areas and make 17,000 a few years age to 12,000 a week Idaho conservationists had grassroots wilderness campaign in wilderness recommendations in for- today. According to the state's top rune co-sponsors. Negotiations be- Idaho aroused him. He received over est wide land use plans due out over commerce official, this decline is likely tween McClure and Seiberling were 1800 personal letters. from Idaho the next year. So Idaho will go through to continue. prolonged, and both sides moved supporting wilderness and assailing ~ the ,"RARE III" process most states The greatest acrimony developed steadily closer. Idaho's Governor Mcf.lures bill, and 18,000 signarors have avoided by enacting wilderness in Salmon, where a 'Champion timber Evans kept steady pressure for a bill on a petition to that effect. Sen. legislation. The Forest Service's on fellow Democrat Seiberling. McClure's 1983 field hearings on RARE II wilderness recommendation [Continued on page 11] -.

)

'S-High CO,.""., News -- OClober 29, 1984

Virginia.Dty, Montana, Post Off

.. "Tbe amoum of letters sent one of these western mining c was evidence of the number of P in the camps. From Virginia Ci one day in 1863, six thousand II were dispatched to the east by thl of Salt Lake City, being accumulation of ten days whet stage was not in operation." TheBozeman Trail, Grace He

Near Story, Wyoming,

Virginia City, Montana, Bob's Place

In 1864 Bob's Place was the capitol A building when Virginia City was the territorial capital of Montana, In 1943 Bob Gohn, now 83 years old, bought the building and has been the proprietor ever since. Bob, who lost his eyesight in a mining accident while in his early 20s, not only tends the bat, in back, but also sells a bit of anything else a person could want from the store front. Bob has been known to still drive his truck, although gas station attendants refuse to give him gas until his driver arrives.

Photos and captions are from Alay Master' of Arts photographic ex Bozeman Trail. The exhibit depicts Iii historic trail, which was used by gold 5 brief period from 1863 to 1868. The from the Oregon Trail west of Douglas, Wyoming, and extended t mining towns of southwestern Mont. Nevada Cityand Virginia City. Blickle masters degree from Southern Illinoi: at Carbondale, Illinois.

Fan Phil Kearney, Wyoming invasion that during the fort's 1868, Red Cloud and the Sioux burne two-year existence they never ceased the fan to the ground. Today only a The fort was built in 1966 in the from keeping it under continuous monument and a small stockade mark midst of Sioux hunting grounds. The siege. After the Bozeman Trail was the site of one of the Iargest and best Sioux, were so an ered . over this abandoned followin -the Trea of forrified western forts.

'cl*OA g".:a ,

October 29, 1984 -- High Country News-9 .

.ana, Post Office f letters sent from ern mining camps . number of people n Virginia City in ix thousand letters the east by the way City, being an -n days when the ierarion.' , "ad, Grace Hebard, 1922

ALONG THE BOZEMAN TRAIL ry;- " I

photographs by Alayne BUckle

are from Alayne Blickles rographic exhibit, The ibir depicts life along the ised by gold seekers for a to 1868. The trail parted il west of present-day d extended to the gold- {estern Montana such as

I City. Blickle received her / uthern Illinois University

Fort Laramie, Wyoming the fort became an important meeting The entrance into the court is through point for. treaties and other govern- a gate of sufficient strength to resist ( Until Fort Fetterman was built in ment sponsored talks. the Indians, but would be of little 1867, Fort Laramie was the point of account if besieged by a regular army. organization for travelers heading up In his diary, in 1849, Alonzo Its neat, white-washed walls present- the Bozeman Trail. Originally built as Delano describes Fort Laramie as " ... ed a welcome sight to us afrer being so a fur traders' post, the military fort simply a trading post, standing about long from anything like a civilized was established in 1849 to protect a mile above the ford, and is a square place. The array .of wagons, cattle, travelers, on the Oregon Trail, Because enclosure of adobe walls, one side of horses, and mules. gave a pleasant of its 'location on the Indian territory which forms the walls of the buildings. .appearance of life and animation .. .'; '.

, 1Q-HighCountry News -- October 29, 1984 Wyoming's Senator Alan Simpson literally towers above his colleagues

___ by Morris A. Ward and immigration issues, it wasn't long babble that they care to throw out. you can't live without them. The real after hitting the Senate that Simpson There's something pretty phony about distressing thing is that some of them made his first big splash in the that. They've learned how to have been around so many years that elcome again to the Stygian environmental field. manipulate, and they do it on the basis they've seen bright people come and pits of clarnmoring congress- He did so in a hearing on 'that, 'By God, This is our country, and go and dull people come and go. They W. persons... jaundiced journa- Compound 1080, a controversial it'll be raped, ruined, and pillaged if know that we might outwit them once lists... crafty staffers... lachrymose pesticide used in the Wes't to combat these' SOBs aren't stopped.' Good old in a while, but they'll ourwait us." lobbyists ... and low-flying and silent coyotes. Anticipating a highly em- hysteria .. it works beautifully out Simpson clearly is more critical of missiles that seek out and create their otional hearing, he was prepared 'to here. " Environment and Public Works own targets that are always sensitive confront what he calls the "crazies" Simpson thinks much of the Committee staff than he is of the staff to heat but rather impervious to despite concerns that he would simply , 'hysteria" he attributes to national on his other two committee assign- light." . further polarize the issue. Simpson's environmental organizations is based ments. "They live by old war stories, -Senator Alan Simpson's greeting strategy for disarming them: "We had on. their need to maintain and build and they're young people generally, to B,ll Ruckelshaus upon his return a motion picture camera in the hearing membership. "They justify their 35-40 years old, but they tell old to Washington as EPA Chief room to show how the coyotes eat the $30 per square foot rental of a stories just like a 60 year old." lambs and get them away from the building in Washington while they're Speaking spetifially of Environ- Wyoming Republican-Senator Alan ewe. I didn't want to use it because sending dues notices out to the weeds, ment Committee staff (and speaking K. Simpson minces few words. it's offensive, but I had it there if I saying, 'If you don't send your dues freely and using specific names), The conservative 6'7" Environ- needed it." notices, you'll be wiped out, and it's Simpson says blunrly.' 'Many of them ment and Public Works Committee While his Democratic opponent in my job to save you from being wiped are zealots." He cites William member .. now completing his first his 1978 Senate race had tried to tar out.' " Saroyan's definition of a zealot as term but virtually assured re-election him as an environmental extremist, it "one who having forgotten his to his second this faU -- talks straight. wasn't long before Senator Simpson As strong as his feelings are purpose redoubles his efforts." He does so with a mix of aw-shucks was being ~riticized by Washington toward \ environmentalists working in "You can see that in them," homey lingo that blends an eclectic environmentalists. He has .far ed Washington, Simpson may save his Simpson says. "Their eyes glaze, mix offrequent "By Gods," "SOBs" poorly in the annual "ratings" of strongest barbs 'for some of the they're humorless in some respects, (seldom abbreviated),war stories, and environmental and labor interests congressional staffers with whom he they're hell-bent, and they know anecdotes. His repertoire and sense of while receiving favorable grades from works day- in and day-out. Seen as they're carrying the fate of the world timing account for his reputation for conservative and industry interests. being highly suspicious of staff and of on their shoulders. You josh them, fire being among the Senate's most For example, while a state the Washington "establishment" a pun at them, and they don't even amicable, humorous and gifted story legislator in Cheyenne, Simpson was overall, Simpson clearly is frustrated know what it is." tellers. an active sponsor of state air quality and often feels trapped or boxed-in by "You see them talking to their While towering above other Senate legislation generally considered -to be staff machinations." principal, and their mouth is working, Environmerit\members physically, it's among the strictest in the country. In "It's awesome," he says when their eyes bulging. You see them too early to say that Simpson has Washington, he says, '''it ain't asked to comment on congressional burning out at the age of 30 or 35." towered above his peers either in possible" to\ support amendments staff. "You can't live with-them and, To Simpson, many congressional terms of accomplishments 00 the revising the Clean Air Act without Committee or in overall influence on being labelled as anti- clean air. it. At times he has been downright "What really has stunned me," he ineffective in carrying the day io--- says, is that he can sponsor an committee. That could change. Those amendment .. such as one exempting Simpson is a 'mixed bag' most familiar with the committee. see fugitive dust from Clean Air Act him steadily gaining in influence, and _prevention of significant deterioration Bruce Hamilton, field director for - .environmental champions, but well say that further increases 10 monitoring requirements .. and have it the Sierra Club in San Francisco and above several Senators whose ratings Simpson' 5 influence are likely. pass overwhelmingly in Committee are below 5 percent. Hamilton says, What perhaps most works against former Northern Plains representative only to see himself later viilified as "Simpson is not one .of our big a growlOg Simpson role on the for the group, has been observing 'being "soot-covered." . problems; he is one of our swing votes Environment Committee are the rime Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY) since and we always lobby him because he demands of chairmanship of the "It ain't right, it ain't {air" for his days as a Wyoming state senator in listens and thinks through issues." Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, western areas plagued by wind-blown the mid 1970s. One criticism directed at Simpson and nf the Judiciary Committee's agricultural ang fugitive dust' to be "" Hamilton describes Simpson as "a mixed bag in W,!shingron" on the is that he has become much weaker on Subcommittee on Immigration and penalized, he says emphatically. The environmental issues since becoming Refugee Policy, where he has earned criticisms of him indicate that environment. But he also says, "He is a U.S. Senator. Hamilton attributes some. of his notable legislative "somebody is gimmicking the ..system head and shoulders above (fellow some of that to Simpson's support of successes. Those other commitments out there, phonying it up." In Wyoming Senator) Malcolm WaBop." Hamilton says that Simpson, as state power and state rights. and his frequently rocky dealings with Washington, Simpson says, environ- chairman of the subcommittee on According to Hamilton, Simpson has committee staff may mitigate against mentalists take an "all or nothing" nuclear regulation, has been sym- found that "it-is easier to be liberal on his overall effectiveness, some say .. position. "They'llpay a dear price for pathetic to concerns about nuclear the state level than it is on the federal On the Environment Committee, that somewhere along the line." . waste and that his presence on the level.' As an 'example, Hamilton says Simpson chairs the Nuclear Regula- Highly critical of Washington, Environmental and Public -Works that Simpson "was the granddaddy of tion Subcommittee, where he has D.C.·based environmental organiza- Committee has been positive: land-use planning as a state senator, become known as a cautious but tions, Simpson says he frequently "He has helped pass some good but he is against land-use planning on determined advocate of domestic finds his Wyoming constituents legislation, " including reauthorization the federal level. " nuclear power. Of his Senate provided what he sees as inaccurate of the endangered species law. He assignments overall, he has this to views of positions he has taken in Hamilton describes Simpson as cites Simpson's work on nuclear waste say: "I chair these three volatile Washington. \ "You know that the "basically a fiscal conservative. He and endangered species as examples"'" issues, and I don't exaggerate when I waters have been chub bed in a very may want to chop EPA's budget, but of a willingness to look at all sides of a say that they're all affected by a blend unfortunate way out in the land," he he also wants to chop the Corps of of guilt, fear, emotion, or racism ... I r says. "That's been a very interesting "- question. Engineers and the Bureau of Simpson has a 20 to 30 percent refuse to ler any of my principal duties thing to observe ... and curious." J Reclamation. ' , ~. rating on the Sierra Club's environ- degenerate into that sort of debate." To Simpson, environmentalists mental voting record list. That puts While much of his six-year Senate working in Washington benefit from him well below those of the Senate's --PaulLarmer career so far has been spent on an overly sympathetic press which is veterans affairs. (anei Agent Orange) ready to "pick up any kind of drivel or " ,.I'

r ,p , -

October 29, 1984 -- High Cou"try News-II staffers are not here to serve. and a Democrat. The sooner we get difficulties in working cooperatively see him as "ultimately a doer, not a. They're here to make policy, and, by that attitude here (on Environment with the Environment Committee and critic," a senator holding" one of the God, if their principal won't do it Committee), the better off we'll- be." its staff, Simpson says, "It's a Republicans' safest seats." they'll move on to somebody else who While he says he has "free rein" in reflection on some guys who are into The son of a' WyominR Rovernor will. " - running his Environment Committee this issue with a spirit and zeal and I and U.S. Senator Milward Simpson, Asked if his characterizations of Nuclear Regulation Subcommittee, as zealotry that will never be diminished :! Senator Al Simpson, as he likes to be staff indeed differ from committee to soon as an issue is at the· full 'by the wandering Simpson." known back home, was born in Denver committee, Simpson emphasizes "that Committee level' 'the senior staffers While antagonizing some staff, in 1931. He served in the Wyoming working with Environment Committee. are there with both feet. That is a very and perhaps some members, as a i., House of Representatives for 13 years staff is "very different, very much interesting difference" in the Environ- result of his dealings with staff, before being elected to the U.S. so." He complains of one instance in ment Committee compared to others. Simpson nonetheless has earned the· Senate in 1978. He earliet had been Simpson .says he finds it which "a few words" were changed respect, if in some cases reluctant, of ciry attorney in Cody, Wyoming. A by staff in the time between "tougher" to work with Republican those who have worked with him. "He former bank director and communiry and Democratic staff on Environment subcommittee passage of an amend- has earned the respect of most college vice president and trustee, ment and subsequerlr" committee Committee issues than on any other in senators in almost record time.." Simpson took his undergraduate and action. He was told by staff that the which he is active. Paraphrasing how Michael Barone and Grant Ujifusa. law degrees from the Univer_siry of he sees his own staff treated, he says: change was inconsequential. Simpson write of Simpson in their Almanac of Wyom,ing. "We'll listen to you, but when you're disagreed and insisted, in his own American Politics 1984. They characteristic way, on restoring the all through we're just going to go correctly identify him as "one of those o original language .. ahead and put this together just like it senators whose support for a This article originally appeared in On the Immigration Subcommit- was." , particular measure or an, argument the May 1984 issue of Environmental tee, "my chief counsel doesn't know can sway.colleagues' votes," and they the difference between a Republican Asked the reasons behind the Forum.

only state-wide political figure to endorse a conservationists' wilderness TheSayings of Simpson (Continuedfrom page 7) proposal. Busch is a political unknown who challenged McClure after all of mill is on the edge of closing down. Idaho's Democratic leaders declined. Steve Symms pitted local millworkers Busch has won the respect of active On How Washington Works -- against local conservationists. Salmon Democrats, but he is being ~)lltspent "You can get shot out of 'the saddle is left badly divided. over 30 to one. McClure's return to around· here and never know who -Trus-Joist, a major wood- Washington is assured, with the pulled the trigger. They can do it to products firm headquartered in Boise, possibility that he will become you in Washington 2, 000 ways." took a well-publicized position sup- Majoriry Leader of the Senate. porting wilderness. Idajo's first district includes north On 'Paternalism' Toward the West .. Three detailed repotts on National Idaho, where the tim bet industry is 'We tire of paternalism that is Forest timber economics were pub- biggest and the wilderness issue rendered to us in the West, because lished while the Idaho bill was alive. hottest. Incumbent Rep. Larry Craig we got off our asses and did something All revealed Idaho's timber program supports the delegation bill. His' about clean air and clean water. 10 as the worstloser in the 48 states. All opponent, Democrat Bill Hellar of years ago." were publicized widely in Idaho. Coeur d'Alene, has. hot endorsed a «Senator McClure·is a stout friend specific proposal; he pledged to On Acid Rain -- of the minirig and oil and gas support whatever compromise emerg- "All of the parties know that the (acid industries. His legislation contained ed, and is disappointed that none did. rain) debate, when it gets to the no wilderness in southeast Idaho (the Craig is using the issue some, Senate floor, is going to' be a real Overthrust Belt) arid very little in contending that Hellar really supports grinder. You're going to see a curious mineralized central Idaho. To the end, the conservationists' proposal, Hellar array of allies." McClure refused ..to consider any denies that. Craig has a smalilead. wilderness for the Pioneers, though In the second district, Democrat , . they are prototypical rocks and ice On Washington Environmentalists .. Richard Stallings, a college history with more local wilderness .support' "A suave bunch of cats. They run ,professor from Rexburg, is leading than any area state-wide. The around in their three-piece suits, and Alan Simp son scandal-ridden incumbent George Pioneers have some mineral"potential. they know exactly who to call on the Hansen. Hansen's financial affairs The industries reciprocated with over phone after a hearing." have been almost the only issue. On the Corps of Engineers -- $100,000 in corporate and individual "I have a lot of trouble with the Corps Neither is talking about wilderness. contributions through April to Stallings once intended to announce On Compromise .. of Engineers. People always ask me McClures reelection campaign. his own wilderness proposal, but "Theres no such thing as 100 why that is, other than that they're The Idaho conservation movement apparently decided silence is more percent. You learn to compromise or allergic to the sound of running water emerges stronger. New leaders politic.' When pressed, he supports you cry yourself to sleep at night. I and want to dam everything they ,can emerged such-as Craig Gehrke (now something around Governor Evans I don't do the latter." get their hands on... They live in a on staff with the Idaho Conservation 1.2 mllion acres. bloated budget world and really live it League) and Jack Trueblood of .the up. They're really something." . Wilderness advocates and op- On Land Use in Wyoming -- Idaho Sportsrnans Coalition. Local ponents alike ate looking. ahead to "In Wyoming, I was the principal corps of defenders. exist for nearly all 1986, when Governor Evans will" sponsor in the legislature of land use On Nuclear Power _. key roadless areas statewide. Wilder- probably challenge Steve Symms for planning legislation. Now if you're "I have as .many differences with ness ,support, once, a city phenomenon the Senate, and former Governor Cecil in Idaho, now exists 10 much- of looking fat a Communist plol..." those who say, 'Hell no, I won't Andrus will seek to return to that glow,' as with those who say only that small-town Idaho too, in the rural office against Republican Dave Leroy. On Environmental Legislation .. no one's ever been killed in a nuclear chapters of the ICL.· Both wilderness supporters and "I just don't know what will come of accident. Somewhere in between lies The political situation remains opponents believe wilderness can be a grim for Idaho Wilderness advocates. -environmental legislation in an the truth. Many of the nuclear good issue for them in those races. Senator McClure's reelection oppo~ election year. It's a shame we have to industry's problems are self-indue- " nent, Pete Busch of Lewiston, is the say that s~ often. " ed . Simpson is witty but wrong, says a D.C. environmentalist

the people he doesn't want to talk to years to get involved in the process, Senator Simpson is witty ~ and must reflect the views of (he people back home." but were ignored. charming, "But he's blowing smoke if you represent," The idea of a "paid "Finally, at the state siting hear- he thinks Washington environment- environmentalist" somehow going his Masselli has been with the re- ings, when it became obvious that alists aren't representing people in the own arrogant way in Washington, source council for two years; for -five 5,000 people couldn't all use a-single West, ., says David Masselli. Based at D.C. "is just bullshit,'; Masselli years before that he worked for' lane road, Hampshire asked us what the capitol, Masselli is counsel for an charges. Friends of~ the Earth. In his wanted. The environmental umbrella group called. the Western "People at home, and I'm in the experience, he says, it is industry that we issues-forced them to include us. By Organization of Resource Councils. West at least three months a year, sell is least willing to compromise. "When that time, we were almost bankrupt Masselli, 35, says he represents steers and hold bake sales to pay my they think they can get something, and I'd worked six and a half months several thousand farm families, way here. They don't send me to they won't bend. When they've lost, on the case." Washington to go to a meeting and be that's when they say; 'Let's compro- ranchers, and others who belong to Asa group, Masselli concludes, nice or sell them out. No environment- mise.' " t the Powder River Resource Council, environmental lobbyists "are not Western Colorado Congress, the alist will last long if he's not in touch One example came in Gillette, without egos. But we do good work Northern Plains Resource Council and with folks at home." Wyoming, Masselli recalls, when for our people, and I'm proud of it. " the Dakota Resource Council. Energy . ,:' Masselli says what prohably Hampshire Energy pressed for a large bothers Simpson is that "we bring him synfuels plant. Masselli says the envi- development is the thread that binds. ··the staff the groups together. To survive, "You ronmentalists fought for two and a half , , the news he doesn't want to hear from 12-High Country News -- October 29, 1984 J Louisiana pattern, Berry and his and stake a legal claim to the water. Wllter... associates, operating as the Bar 70 Despite this strategy, it is felt that the Corporation and a variety of other Galloway proposal, and perhaps all firms, positioned themselves in the [continued from page IJ leasing ideas, can work only if the Law late 1970s to take advantage of the of the River is changed. Blackwelder of the Environmental coming oil shale industry. Bar 70 The Upper Basin states may be Policy Center in W.ashington, D,C., conceived grandiose ideas for the open to such changes. And perhaps and Ben Harding, an engineer based isolated cattle town of Meeker California and even Nevada might go I (population 2,500), located on the in Boulder Colorado, have promoted along. But it is impossible to see Ari- the concept. fringe of the oil shale-rich Piceance zona agreeing to anything that. would Three summers ago at a water Basin. It proposed to a startled and lead to leasing. conference in Gunnison, Colorado, then hostile Meeker a new airport, Harding presented a paper which thousands of new homes, a Robert described the advantages leasing has Trent Jones golf course, and an -tis easy to understand Arizona's' for' the Upper Basin states. The industrial park, Along the way it anger. CAP, which crowns the response was hostile. A rancher in the bought construction-related firms: an Istate's efforts to develop its audience told him such suggestions abstract company, a concrete firm, a Colorado River water, is to convey were treasonous, and should be real estate firm, as well as ranches and water to the Phoenix area in 1985 and responded to in the way the West water rights. later to Tucson. But the project is built usually deals. with water thieves. On that occasion, too, Berry et al on shifting sands. Of the 1. 5 million . Harding's suggestion was especi-, took on the water: establishment. Bar acre-fe e t it will use at full ally suspect because he sees it as a 70, again with Musick as attorney, development, only 400,000 to '7.00,000 way to move the Upper Basin states went into court against a federal dam acre-feet per year can be counted as to provide water for possible future proposal known as the Yellowjacket firm in dry years, Initially, the dry year limit won't industry, mining. and second home project. Musick argued that since the John Musick development. (However, the Upper Yellowjacker Water Conservancy Dis- bother Arizona. So long as Colorado, Basin already has hundreds of trict wasn't building a dam and Utah and Wyoming remain unde- defeated in a 1982 referendum by a thousands of acre feet of water it has irrigation 'system, it should distribute veloped, Arizona will be able to use coalition of environmental groups, no use for stored in federally built its water rights' to land owners. their "surplus" water. Bui by 2035, it farmers and others. reservoirs.) Simultaneous with this legal assault, is predicted, the surplus will be gone, Ah attempt to get the same job Harding said that the Upper Basin- the area's oil shale companies said and CAP could be drawing only done in a different way was promoted should instead recognize that water that Bar 70 was approaching them 400,000 acre-feet in dry years. by Governor George Deukmejian (R) flow.ing in streams could support an with offers to sell the Yellowjacket That is no surprise. Arizona and in this session of the California economy based on wildlife, fishing water Bar 70 hoped to get. Ultimately, the Bureau of Reclamation assumed legislature. However, it was defeated and rafting. In Harding's view, Bar 70's court effort did not succeed. the Upper Basin would eventually and the governor has said he won't try leasing could give the Upper Basin the The oil shale bus t has ended the develop. So CAP was designed to have again before 1986. That gave San best of all worlds: a healthy lease ambitious proposals for Meeker -- its paid 'off its debt by the year 2035, Diego County the feeling that with income from water flowing in streams. population and economy have declin- when the water; supply is expected to Northern California water unavailable, drop drastically. and a recreation economy and quality ed, and hundreds of homes are for sale it had better look to the Colorado of life based on that water. and apartments for rent. Moreover, Now, the Galloway proposal and River. As it turns out, the San Diego Bar 70 and its associated corporations leasing in general have changed the Tom Graff of the Environmental picture. The "surplus" water could proposal. isn't quite what Harding have not kept up their land payments .Defense Fund in Berkeley suggests envisioned. It calls for construction of on some ranches they puichased disappear even before CAP is fully that the Metropolitan Water District the 1.1 million acre-foot Juniper during the oil shale boom. built: objects to San Diego's Colorado River Reservoir on the prized, still But such considerations have not It is because of CAP that San Diego tactic because it wants to keep on the untrammeled Yampa River Dan bothered the San Diego County Water is out hunting water. When CAP pressure for the taking of Northern Luecke, a staff member of the Authority. It paid the Galloway Group comes on line, it will take the surplus California water. Graff also says: Environmental Defense Fund in $10,000 in August for an option on a Upper Basin water that California is "My view is that having the water Boulder, says: future water agreement. That option now using. In particular; Southern lobby divided means rational alterna- "Building Juniper doesn't make was to have expired in mid-October. California will be cut back from about tives" like conservation, opening up a 5 million acre-feet per year to its water sales market and higher prices 1- sense. There's not a worse project in but was extended an additional three the state. But we are in favor of a months while San Diego works on long-term guarantee of 4.4 million become possible. "It gets away from leasing arrangement which would California politics and Galloway on acre-feet. Much of the reduction will subsidies." It creates, he continues, allow the Upper Basin to put water to a Upper Basin politics. fall on the shoulders of San Diego pressure for people to use water in a beneficial use. The idea has been The politics are key. It is generally County, which has a very low priority sensible, economic way, instead of kicking around in the environmental admitted that the Galloway proposal for Colorado River water. using government money to build community for some time. We were ~ has serious legal problems, and can If San Diego County were able to expensive projects to provide cheap, only worried abou t finding a market.- only be implemented if all or most of lease the surplus Colorado River subsidized water. And the Galloway Group found it in the seven Colorado Basin states agree water, it would be 'snatching that EDF has taken the lead in San Diego. We applaud them." to change the Law of the River. water back from Arizona just as the suggesting one alternative to new_ state's decades of effort have projects. It did a study showing that The proposal to build the Juniper succeeded in building the CAP. It is no lining the Imperial Irrigation canal, reservoir makes little physical sense; he Galloway Group is the wonder Arizona is angry and more which brings Colorado River water to. there is already an enormous amount business entity which signed an than ready to go to court. farmers in the Imperial Valley, could of storage on the river. But Juniper is T option agreement this summer The California water establishment provide 400,000 acre-feet per year of a way for San Diego to spend money with the San Diego County Water is backing Arizona. The state's

. , "._.~- - ---'.--- ~

,l4-High COllntry News -- October 29, 1984 Dear HCN., . With a fe . Since 1970 w lapses I've 0 what -- and an 'd . een a re d' The foundation of writ. you do: mUch a mu-er and a er of HCN OUt »s, mUch gOod repOrta appreciater of intelSltanding Pho;oOd design s«, mUch fine" Igent 0graph ,much So I'm approach t y, and a truly: Fund pleased to re 0 generally c generally High Country News PJ be 1 appeal and on?ond to YOUrlom ex iSsues J arger. Y WIsh my a~est Resear h' ! In P. Contrlb' c fund . aSSIng, a Utlon could 1> -raISing 1 Word of ' revity It' etter itself appreciation fi s is respect for ! anothe~ 4 a great relief a model of cl .or the • tomorrow Page singl nOt to be insult a~~~ and TANT screed in an e-sPaced a e Y yet fearmo~- T~ME-DA.TED,~nvelope wil?~7Jpse. ,, direct_mg~rtng hoorah and all the r POR_ " our readers ar scene tod generally - est of the - ay. Thanks fi part of th c or that e

ThomasN Kristi L DuBois Francis Clark Nicholas Helburn Washin .Bethell Choteall,Montana Ft. Collins, Colorado Boulder, Colorado

Stuart Ambler Virgil R. Baker Thunderbear M. Gale Morgan Longmont, Colorado Port Angeles, Washington Pinole, California Durango, Colorado

Kirk Cunningham Nancy D. Lederer KUSA Foundation Lucy Reid Cindy Crennen , Boulder, Colorado Boulder, Colorado Ojai, California Winthrop, Washington Denver, Colorado

M:H. Millard Mrs. DeWitt Dominick Thomas N. Bethell O. Pilat Charles R. Neal Aspen, Colorado Cody, Wyoming Washington, D, C. New York, New York Worland, Wyoming

Philip J. La Lena Harold Coyle Bill Hubber Bill and Colleen Mullins John R. Bailey Grand j unction, Colorado Acton, Massacbusetts : Helena) Montana Boise, Idaho Durango, Colorado

Levi W. Todd Ralph A. Schmidt Charles M. Eberhart CD. Angus J. Markle Austin Rock Springs, Wyoming Lakewood, Colorado Prairie Village, Kansas Springlake, MichIgan Norwood, Colorado

Brad Halter Robert C. Kerr Miss Rose M. Hackman Chuck and Dee Burnett Bill and Mary Graham Boulder, Colorado Boulaer, Colorado Denver) Colorado Ontario, Oregon Grand jllnction, Colorado

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Margo and Gene Lorig Bill Hedden Brent Costain Louise and Steve Forrest Bert Lindler Eagle, .Colorado Moab, Utah Troy, Montana Jackson, Wyoming Great Falls, Montana

Tim Armstrong Judith G. McBride Mildred I. Barkley Duncan and Eva Patten Reed K. Dils Delta, 'Colorado Frisco, Colorado ,Fleming, Colorado Tempe, Anzona Buena Vista, Colorado

Ev Carter Jay B. Hann Helen E. Traylor James Merzenich James Thomas Cedaredge, Colorado San Leandro, California Grand Junction, Colorado Missoula, Montana Ft. Collins, Colorado

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Helenaj Montana Johnstown, Colorado -YES! I ~ant to see High Country News keep digging. Susan Wighrman J aclcio' Diedrich and Andy Porter Lewiston, Montana Estacada) Oregon

My tax -deductible contribution to support research and investigative work on environmental Elise R. Donohue Larry MacDonnell is.o;;ues,in the Rock1' Mountain region is enclosed. Clyde Park, Montana Boulder, Colorado OSI5 OS25 OS50 OSIOO OS500 osi,ooo OOther _ Arnold and Helen-Bolle Thomas Brill I prefer to pledge S each 0 month 0 quarter over the next year, My first pledge Missoula, Montana Albuqllerque, New Mexico payment is enclosed. DJ. Obee Tom Beach Name _/~ :...,, ~ __ BOIse, Idaho Berkeley, California Address '--- ~ ~_ E. M. Rakowski David Schroeder City. state, zip ~ _ Bartlett, Tennessee Eugene, Oregon

o We plan to list the names (no amounts ).of Research Fund coiuributors in the pages of High BJ .and Bill Thomas Country Neu's, Please check here if you do not want your gift acknowledged in this manner, Santa Barbara, California Anonymous Donors Make 'checks out to High Country News Research Fund. Send to Box 1090, Paonia, CO 81428 , amel). October 29, 1984 ~~HIgh Country News-D Only Immediate-forceful action can save the grizzly

______by Tony Povilitis .------...... ---,:s:c ;;• Recent articles in High Country News (9/3/84) ~• and elsewhere report that the "grizzlies are ~ e- losing Yellowstone to man." New developments ~ ranging from large recreational resorts to small ...• mining operations are beginning to make the ~<;) Yellowstorie ecosystem resemble a slice of swiss ~ cheese, with the bears falling through the holes. • And grizzly bear numbers are declining with an estimated 183-207 animals remaining. While th_esituation is bad, it can be changed. But conservationists must agree quickly on a strat~gy based on the grizzly's ecological requirements. I Consider the grizzly's predicament. As a huge omnivore that hibernates for about five months out of the year, the great bear covers areas ranging from a few dozen square miles to many hundreds of square miles to seek the best foods available. It's an investigative animal that often follows its nose; and it is behaviorally as dominant as man. The notion of a "backcounrry' is not very relevant to the grizzly. By its very nature, the grizzly does not invest a lot of energy in reproduction. In Yellowstone, an can survive under these circumstances , that's fine; that hears prefer would also be closed, as is average female produces 1.9. cubs every three if it cannot, it "wouldn't be the end of the world," presently the case. years and does not breed until she is 6 liz years old. according to John Crowell, Assistant Secretary of Over 20 concerned organizations including So a grizzly population cannot tolerate a mortality Agriculture who oversees the Forest Service. Greenpcace U.S.A., Friends of the Earth, the Idaho Wildlife Federation, and the Humane rate of the level now occurring in Yellowstone. Should we fully protect a valued resource like Society of rhe U.S. have already embraced this A bear can react to a new development like the grizzly bear, when we are at risk of losing it? . concept by endorsing the "Citizens' Proposal to Grant Village, for example, in only so many ways. Are we prepared to greatly tone down our use of I.t can avoid the site and expand its range Save rhe Yellowstone Grizzly Bear" (HCN other noon-endangered resources to avoid 4/16/84 and HCN "Leiters" 4/30/84). This elsewhere, risking conflict in less familiar inevitable conflicts with the grizzly? I believe that 26-point document requests strict protection of territory. MoreTikely, it will at some point be people throughout the country overwhelmingly enticed by food or garbage and become a Yellowstone's core area and offers other specific answer these questions affirmatively as do many recommendations for improving' the overall health "nuisance" bear ripe for control. Or, if no edibles of those responsible for upholding our national and security of its grizzly population. of human origin are available, it may' continue to conservation laws. Accordingly, it's now up to our Obviously, certain RV organizations, park forage naturally in the area and habituate to leaders in the conservation field.Jo carry the people, making ,some tragic encounter probable. concessronarres , developers and others who banner for a new strategy for saving the grizzly i[1. believe that their interests must always come first Federal and .stare wildlife officials are "faced Yellowstone. with the task of minimizing bear problems in a will oppose this strategy . Yet suitab-Ie alternatives In recognizing the cause and effect relationship for them -- although not for the grizzly ~~can be ~ rapidly expanding conflict arena. Their role has between development and grizzly bear mortality, found. The American public as a whole, if become not unlike that of a referee attempting to such a strategy must provide for the strict informed on the matter, will see this strategy as keep the boxers, man and bear, from killing protection of grizzly habitat within the central or one of fairness and good sense. The idea of strictly each other. Thus, bears are trapped and" core area of the Yellowstone ecosystem. relocated, shot at with plastic bullets, hazed with protecting a well-defined core area of habitat for In terms of grizzly bear ecology, this area .helicopters, and in other ways manipulated. But an endangered population is basic to conservatio~~'> includes all of Yellowstone National 'Park, .Grand often they're killed by the officials themselves. biology.' And in the case of the grizzly, this area Teton National Park north of Signal Mountain, and represents but a tiny fraction of its former range in Nowadays enough bears are being removed by portions of five national forests including Targhee, control actions and research accidents that this in' the American West. . Gallatin, Custer, Shoshone and Bridger-Teton itself may preclude population recovery. And there I call upon all conservation-minded organiza- from ten to 30 miles beyond Yellowstone's IS little reason to believe that illegal or tions to request that the federal government boundaries. This area would satisfy requirements unauthorized bear kills can be eliminated in spite implement this core-area strategy at once. People of a grizzly bear population of several hundred of stepped-up law enforcement. belonging to environmental, outdoor and animal animals. (For more details see Dr. John rights groups can help alert them to this appeal. In Over the past three years, known instances of Craighead's publication,A Proposed Delineation promoting this new strategy, I invite concerned man-caused mortality of grizzly bears have of Critical Grizzly Bear Habitat in the Yellowstone organizationsand persons to contact Campaign for averaged about nine per year. For population Region, Bear Ecology Association Monograph Yellowstone's Bears, a grass roots group based in recovery to occur with certainty, this figure should Series No.1, 1980). Colorado ar P.O. Box 416, Boulder, CO 80306. approach zero and definitely should not exceed 4 Within this area all developments and Recently, five bicyclists rode from Yellowstone or 5 per year. According to Dr. Richard Knight of activities should be disallowed unless it can be National Park to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the National Park Service, who heads the demonstrated through the Environmental Impact the -:;rizzly bear. They delivered to Congress Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, the goal for Statement process that they will not adversely messages of support from nearly 1000 people adult 'females should be, on average, less than one affect the grizzly 'bear. This does not across the country who want full protection for man-induced mortality per year. mean the total elimination of people from essential. Yellowstone's grizzly. The plight of the bears Getting and keeping bear mortality down to a bear habitat. continues to receive widespread coverage in tolerable level is going to be exceedingly difficult. But based on the pattern of grizzly bear newspapers, magazines and other media. There's Success will be possible only if we stop creating mortality over the years, it would undoubtedly public support out there, but we're losing the new opportunities for bears to be killed. Otherwise mean an end to sheep grazing and black, bear battle by not acting, by letting political resistance there appears to be little hope for maintaining hunting in the core area, ..the cancellation of Ski block us from doing what must be done . If we even a relict population' of grizzlies in Yellowstone and the closure of the Fishing Bridge don't act, we can all watch the grizzly vanish, Yellowstone. recreational facility. as called for in the park's It's time to focus on a grizzly bear conservation The main obstacle to reducing grizzly bear Master Plan. Timber sales and oil and gas leasing strategy that will work. mortality is the federal government's misapplica- would be curtailed unless it could be shown that D tion of the multiple-use principle in Yellowstone. It they can be" conducted without causing bear Tony Povilitis is a professional wildlife insists that human resource "demands" must be mortality and without negatively affecting the biologist who teaches at the University of met within critical grizzly bear habitat. If the bear grizzly's use of habitat. Some backcountry areas Colorado.

least. The reader feared that some Just another evidence of liberals not so vicious. The President does n'l.l.o.i) LETTERS people might actually believe it and snatching at any opportunity to down need to resort to such peccadilloes and' something should be done. I assured grade the President. Some of them are doesn't, nor does he or would he ever HHHMMMMMM the' reader that the people of the Notth withholding funds to be used at the use such asinine remarks. Some of the Fork were not fools even though your last moment to buy votes for the trouble isa result of people saying Dear HCN, contempt has showed through more Democrats. "take if away from him but not me," than once since you came to the North meaning that cuts had to be made if A reader of High Country News Fork. A few might -- with wishful To even conjure up the idea that the economy ever recovered. sent through the mail a copy of your thinking take it in, but not the the President would have to "sneak article' 'Secret treehugger,' whatever majority. out" to use a public (pay) telephone to that is, and followed it with ~ It was not even clever .. it was just call collect to a Me. Marston "is so Mary Henry Steward telephone call ~- indignant to say the plain snide and in the worst of taste. funny that it might be excused if it :was Cedaredge, CO LRT V2

Hunting is more than a game

"Hunting with Ishi was pure joy," Pope later On August 29, 1911, a California butcher went wrote. "Bow in hand, he seemed to be out to check the stock in his slaughterhouse corral transformed into a being light as air and silent as and found an emaciated Indian come red by a pack falling snow. Time meant nothing to him: He of local dogs. simply stayed until he got his game. From the very The man was a puzzle _. there had been no edge of camp until he returned, he was on the alert '.'wild" Indians in the region for thirry years, and for game and the one obvious element of his this one spoke a dialect that no "tame" Indian in mental attitude was that he suspected game town could understand. Word of the Indian soon everywhere. He took it for granted that ten deer made its way to the University of California's see you where you see one .. so see it first! As he .budding Department of Anthropology, where walked, he placed every footfall with precise care; professors 'made arrangements to adopt him. the most stealthy step I ever saw; he was used to While at the university, the Indian fen under it; lived by it." . the care of a young medical man, Saxton Pope, whose passionate interest in archery drew the two The doctor never matched his patient's' ability men into a close friendship. The Indian's name in the field .- only a lifetime of practice would have was Ishi, the.last of a small tribe that had retreated accomplished that -- but he did learn enough to into the Sierra Nevada. in the 1880s where they become a highly effective bowhunter. had gone about their business in the same Stone He found that a successful hunt had little to do Age tradition their ancestors had used fot with the quality of the hunter's weapons. What millenia. was important was the quality of the hunter As the noose of farms and ranches had drawn himself. In Ishi's world, hunting well was a matter Ishi bind£ng a fisbing harpoon tighter around the wild country of the Sierras, the of settling into patterns of thinking and seeing so tribe had quietly starved to death. ora that. they have almost been blotted out in hunt~r only plays at his hunting. But, as Pope The relationship between Pope and Ishi is one ."civilized" 'man, There was no place for the learned from Ishi, hunting is more than a game. of . the most fascinating in the history of swarm of distractions that followed the white men With discipline and patience, the hunter can anthropology. Pope and his associates sheltered out of their cities, no place for time itself. uncover parts of himself that might otherwise Ishi from the onslaught of white society, and Ishi There was room for only one thing -- a' :remain buried, initiated Pope into the world of the Stone Age white-hot focus on the next covert. More than meat or antlers, that discovery is hunter. . It was the attitude of a professional. Only' a well worth hunting for. Ishi's powers bordered on the supernatural. He man who depended on a successful hunt for his used bows and arrows that were jnferior to Pope's livelihood would consistently bring' such ·-Chris Madson equipment, but what he lacked in technology he concentration to the effort. A well-fed modern Edit?r ofWyoming Wildlife more than made up in skill. ;ESS

ENVIRONMENTALIST WANTED: ce. SING TO ME THE DREAM is a live CONSERVATION' ordinator needed for Idaho Conservation recording of this yea-r's national tour that collaborated the vocal talents of the WANTED: STAFF DIRECTOR, organizer League's wildlife program. BS in biology, natural resources or equivalent exper- charismatic feminist leader Holly Near '\I"':_\\'!~ and fundraiser for the Powder River Basin with sounds of the New Chilean Song Resource Council. These positions ience required. Experience in citizen 'l,.Jf~'~1. cl;,~r=i~ organizing and program development Movement from the exiled Chilean group , ..-ata,l... s, c~...,.ical-I..... aflll odo" require responsible, hard-working and Inri-Illimani. Inri-Illimani uses more than highly motivated people. with experience helpful. Fisheries background preferred. I'I I ~:~~·v:;~;:·:~a:~~~:~':: 16 wind, string and percussion instru- tam CQn.a'I. I"ila' and ~ilChftn in lobbying, rural organizing, canvassing, Half-time position beginning in January, ..-1001. to otganic l.fl;linr ..it~ no ments -(0 combine Latin America's contribution ,,, ground....te, Of .i' fundraising , media and western issues. $500/momh plus some benefits. Send pollut;on. eli,u, Mullfum: ,. ~and- resume and 500-word writing sample to: traditional folk music with jazz, folk and $lOmeand _,ible ,olution, Ma~...e "Send resume and writing samples to: contemporary music. Look for .rhe album send you a completedescription and PRBRC, 48 N. Main, Sheridan, WY Wendy Wilson, Box 844, Boise, Idaho, install.lion ,equirements? at your nearest music store or send $9.33 Teton Tinkers and Traders 82801. 83701. . L '>' to Redwood Records, 476 West Box 91. Victor, 1083455 (208) 787-2495 NEATSTffFF FOR FOLKS WHO TAKE GARDENING MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland, CA SERIOUSLY: You will profit by using 94609. AVON, MARAVIA, ACHILLES, and George Kelly's books and subscribing to CLASSIFIED ADS cost 20t per word, HeN needs line drawings to illustrate Rocky Mountain Gardening Maga£nze. prepaid, .$5 minimum. Rates vary for Campways RAFTS from 9' to 15' in rhe.Bullerin Board page. We pay (a little) They are written from a lifetime of display ads; write HeN, Box 1090, excellent condition. Priced from $400 to on publication and look forward to seeing horticultural experience. Send for a list by Paonia, Colorado 81428 or call 303/527- $2100. Call 303/395·8949 or write 4CX, your work. Send artwork to HeN Box writing GEpRGE W. KELLY, 11126 Co. 4898 for further information. Box 1032, Buena Vista, CO 81211 for 1090, Paonia CO 81428. price sheet and more details. Rd. G, Cortez, CO 81321. Help us turn 14,OOOrelUlers inlo .14,000 subscribers. Our best new subscription prospects are reading your copy of High Country News. That's right. Reader surveys show that an average of four people (3.5 actually) read each copy of High Country News we sell. We're happy that High Country News gets passe-d around. But it may be hard for you to find yourr copy when you can't remember who had it last. And it makes it hard for us to reach our largest possible audience. Just imagine: If we can tum 14,000 readers into 14,000 subscribers, they could share their High , Country News with two (point five) new friends. Forty thousand people would see us every two weeks. SprelUl the news. High Country News•

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