Island Park National Monument and Bunkerville

The recent events near Bunkerville, Nevada raise concerns about how the Federal Government deals with local citizenry. When rancher Cliven Bundy challenged the BLM over grazing fees and the protection of the desert tortoise, both sides were so entrenched in their opinions until it escalated into an armed confrontation.

The locals in Bunkerville have been living a particular lifestyle on public lands for well over a hundred years.  Federal land managers concluded that the existence of the desert tortoise was threatened by the grazing of cattle.  The heavy-handed response by the BLM included armed troops, dogs and Tasers.

The government evacuation of the cattle during calving season only exacerbated the animosity held by the Bundy camp and their supporters. As each side armed and stood toe to toe, they were one bad move away from a Waco or Ruby Ridge disaster. It was the intervention of the Clark County Sheriff that convinced the federal government to withdraw, avoiding bloodshed. When local people are employed by any law enforcement agency, they tend to use more common sense and compassion than those who are imported to deal with complex situations.

An Island Park National Monument may come with benefits but the designation comes with more Federal control. There is less concern for the lifestyles of local residents. There is also an increased vulnerability from outside pressure groups to change the land usage based on their ideology.

There is already too much tension in this country over Federal control. Things are almost to a boil. Inviting additional control and tension here will serve no one well. The confrontation over tortoises and grazing in Nevada could be sparked by grizzlies, hunting and 4-wheelers here.

There is a meeting at the EMS building on April 23^rd at 6:00pm. During this meeting the county commissioners will address the proposed National Monument. It would behoove anyone interested to attend.