After over a year of not curating this column, I decided that it was time to bring back this semi-regular piece.
I’ve read interesting articles and found too many not to share. But with this past year of COVID and the often contentious items in the news, the same beat seemed to get played over and over again. Perhaps I am feeling more cautiously optimistic? I say cautiously optimistic as my world view became shaped by the mantra of “Whaddaya gonna do?” Meaning – The world often throws curveballs, and you cope the best you can with what life brings.
We’ll see what happens in the year ahead.
From Quotes Gram
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- The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced that the agency headquarter will move back to DC with a western regional HQ still present in Grand Junction, CO. Many people, myself included, argue it is the best of both worlds. Most BLM land gets located west of the 100th Meridian; however, not having a presence in DC hobbles the agency in many ways.
From Colorado Public Radio
- The Trek published an article on bark beetle damage that covers climate change and forest management in a well-thought-out and in-depth way. Well worth the read.
Pecos Wilderness, New Mexico
- Biden restoring the pre-Trump borders of the Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument in southeast Utah makes some news especially pertinent to the place I call home. Though preserving public lands from development aligns with many views, there’s a case people can make that protection without the appropriate resources may cause more harm than good with increased visitation. I suggest looking over the PBS “Battle over Bears Ears” for what I think makes for a nuanced view.
- Don’t get too close to the grizzlies. The rangers don’t like it. And you might go to jail. A bit less snarky, remember this literal rule of thumb when it comes to taking photos.
Use a zoom lens!
- Jack Haskel, Trail Information Manager for the Pacific Crest Trail Association, goes over what thru-hiking may look like on the PCT (and other trails) in the years ahead in a public radio interview. A topic I’ve discussed as well.
Wildfires in Oregon. Newsweek
- Finally, a little humor from The Onion. Or perhaps the future as the National Park Service continues to make cutbacks and privatizes its services?