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CornerPostsJanuary2009
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Only in New York
So this tidbit isn't exactly related to the Four Corners - other than it's about cycling. Even if it's urban cycling, it's still interesting. The New York Post recently had a story about a rickshaw driver in Manhattan who pedals his bike while towing a a small dance floor and pole. On that floor and pole is, yep, a go-go dancer. The PoleRider, as he calls himself, hopes to take his getup to parties as a gag, charging some $300 for the first hour (and $200 an hour after that) as entertainment. The avid mountain biker was looking for a way to combine urban cycling and go-go dancing in a way the public can see it.
This collection of posts from the Four Corners kicks off 2009. Here's to hoping that Inside/Outside Southwest magazine readers enjoy a prosperous year and many adventures in the region. As always, count on us to keep you informed of what's going on in these parts.
Santa Fe Snubbed
The Los Angeles Times newspaper recently had a multimedia presentation on its Web site that highlighted readers' picks of the most overrated destinations in the world. Santa Fe got the smackdown from a Los Angeles resident, who believes the City Different is a "bad art tourist trap." She goes on to say that the attempt to preserve the old pueblo look results in "more theme architecture than authentic environment." Ouch. People have their opinions, of course. The silver lining is that the traveler's proposed destination is Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Two readers put the Grand Canyon on their list of overrated places. Among their dislikes: too many visitors, "atrocious" campgrounds, limited hiking, and lack of "playgrounds to keep the kids grounded." Interestingly, one of the readers' suggested alternative were three other crowded, wild national parks in Southern Utah. Go figure.
The Los Angeles Times newspaper recently had a multimedia presentation on its Web site that highlighted readers' picks of the most overrated destinations in the world. Santa Fe got the smackdown from a Los Angeles resident, who believes the City Different is a "bad art tourist trap." She goes on to say that the attempt to preserve the old pueblo look results in "more theme architecture than authentic environment." Ouch. People have their opinions, of course. The silver lining is that the traveler's proposed destination is Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado. Two readers put the Grand Canyon on their list of overrated places. Among their dislikes: too many visitors, "atrocious" campgrounds, limited hiking, and lack of "playgrounds to keep the kids grounded." Interestingly, one of the readers' suggested alternative were three other crowded, wild national parks in Southern Utah. Go figure.
Return to Sender
In late November, officials from Taos Pueblo, the state Department of Game and Fish, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico Friends of River Otters released three river otters in the Rio Pueblo de Taos in the groups' ongoing effort to reintroduce the species. The three join five others trapped and released into the river in October. It's likely the animals will make their way downstream to the Rio Grande and other tributaries. Biologists believe that river otters once commonly lived in the Gila, upper and middle Rio Grande, Mora, San Juan and Canadian river systems, but there have been no confirmed sightings since 1953.
In late November, officials from Taos Pueblo, the state Department of Game and Fish, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the New Mexico Friends of River Otters released three river otters in the Rio Pueblo de Taos in the groups' ongoing effort to reintroduce the species. The three join five others trapped and released into the river in October. It's likely the animals will make their way downstream to the Rio Grande and other tributaries. Biologists believe that river otters once commonly lived in the Gila, upper and middle Rio Grande, Mora, San Juan and Canadian river systems, but there have been no confirmed sightings since 1953.
Green Slopes
By green, I don't mean the easy runs. Instead, I'm talking environment. Plenty Magazine had a story on it Web site in mid-December about efforts ski resorts are making to go green. Among those mentioned are Taos Ski Valley and Telluride Ski Resort. It's a good story and deserves a read to see what ski resort owners are doing to improve their historically rough image when it comes to impact on the land. Read it here: www.plentymag.com/features/2008/12/greening_skiing.php
By green, I don't mean the easy runs. Instead, I'm talking environment. Plenty Magazine had a story on it Web site in mid-December about efforts ski resorts are making to go green. Among those mentioned are Taos Ski Valley and Telluride Ski Resort. It's a good story and deserves a read to see what ski resort owners are doing to improve their historically rough image when it comes to impact on the land. Read it here: www.plentymag.com/features/2008/12/greening_skiing.php
BLM Backs Up
In early December, the Bureau of Land Management withdrew 100,000 acres of land from being auctioned to the public for oil and gas drilling. That acreage taken off the market is in Nine Mile Canyon and Desolation Canyon - two places that are remote and special. The BLM says, though, that the withdrawal is only temporary. Land at the top of the canyons is still up for grabs; land at the bottom of the canyon is still going to be sold to the highest bidder. The acreage was part of 359,000 put on the block the night of Election Day. Utah BLM Director Selma Sierra put the acres up for sale without notifying the National Park Service, so the agency wasn't able to fight the move.
In early December, the Bureau of Land Management withdrew 100,000 acres of land from being auctioned to the public for oil and gas drilling. That acreage taken off the market is in Nine Mile Canyon and Desolation Canyon - two places that are remote and special. The BLM says, though, that the withdrawal is only temporary. Land at the top of the canyons is still up for grabs; land at the bottom of the canyon is still going to be sold to the highest bidder. The acreage was part of 359,000 put on the block the night of Election Day. Utah BLM Director Selma Sierra put the acres up for sale without notifying the National Park Service, so the agency wasn't able to fight the move.
Not in My Corridor
The federal government has announced plans to for 6,000 miles of energy corridors on about 3 million acres in 11 states. The plan has many environmentalists up in arms, because some of the corridors would run near public lands that are national parks or treasures. That includes the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Area, Arches National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Wilderness Society is fighting the plan. In the meantime, Utah state lawmakers have come up with a proposed bill that would create a task force to study where to put utility transmission corridors in Utah. The bill will be considered in the Utah legislature this month.
The federal government has announced plans to for 6,000 miles of energy corridors on about 3 million acres in 11 states. The plan has many environmentalists up in arms, because some of the corridors would run near public lands that are national parks or treasures. That includes the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Area, Arches National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. The Wilderness Society is fighting the plan. In the meantime, Utah state lawmakers have come up with a proposed bill that would create a task force to study where to put utility transmission corridors in Utah. The bill will be considered in the Utah legislature this month.
Planting Madness
In late November, scads of people turned up at the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab to plant 1,000 cottonwood tree saplings and clean up debris from a fire that raged there in October. A total of 435 acres burned. Much of the fire burned pesky tamarisk and bulrush. But it also destroyed trees and plants vital to keep the wetlands wildlife thriving, as well as burning parts of viewing blinds and the boardwalk. The Nature Conservancy and Division of Wildlife Resources jointly own and manage the preserves, named after a former Utah governor. The agencies have been working for many years on a larger restoration plan.
In late November, scads of people turned up at the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve in Moab to plant 1,000 cottonwood tree saplings and clean up debris from a fire that raged there in October. A total of 435 acres burned. Much of the fire burned pesky tamarisk and bulrush. But it also destroyed trees and plants vital to keep the wetlands wildlife thriving, as well as burning parts of viewing blinds and the boardwalk. The Nature Conservancy and Division of Wildlife Resources jointly own and manage the preserves, named after a former Utah governor. The agencies have been working for many years on a larger restoration plan.
The Good Old Days
Cline Library at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff has on exhibit a collection of photos of Katie Lee and her family too. Lee, an outspoken environmentalist, singer/songwriter and river rat, had her heart pretty much irreparably broken when the federal government flooded Glen Canyon, has a storied life - and as she points out, it's still going on. There will be many more stories to tell, for sure. The exhibit spans her life so far. It's worth the trip as the photos remain on display through this summer.
Cline Library at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff has on exhibit a collection of photos of Katie Lee and her family too. Lee, an outspoken environmentalist, singer/songwriter and river rat, had her heart pretty much irreparably broken when the federal government flooded Glen Canyon, has a storied life - and as she points out, it's still going on. There will be many more stories to tell, for sure. The exhibit spans her life so far. It's worth the trip as the photos remain on display through this summer.
Sour Economy
Towns throughout the Four Corners are feeling the squeeze from a struggling economy. Many are trying to rise to the challenge, including Telluride. The Telluride Tourism Board has launched a massive direct-mailing campaign, and Telluride hotels have dropped their rates. This is all an effort to attract tourism, because the Tourism Board reports that hotel reservations are down 25 percent from 2007. Elsewhere in the Four Corners, Flagstaff homeless shelters are seeing the effects of the nation's recession. Two emergency shelters there are turning away people because the beds are full. Some Flagstaff churches are acting as overflow spots, but officials who work with the homeless population know that these are temporary solutions. In Cortez, Colo., Crow Canyon Archaeological Center has cut back staff. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper laid off staff. There are several examples. But, there is a silver lining that High Country News Editor Jonathan Thompson writes eloquently about in the newspaper's Nov. 21 issue. Thompson says the West is historically used to boom-and-bust cycles. The Old West endured them, and he believes the New West will as well. In the same issue, columnist Ed Quillen says that the tanking economy is good when it comes to growth and industry. Quillen writes that the economy is helping diminish the desire for using the West's lands and resources - and sort of unintended consequence that perhaps will slow growth and give the area's land and water resources, and the air quality too, some much-needed reprieve.
Towns throughout the Four Corners are feeling the squeeze from a struggling economy. Many are trying to rise to the challenge, including Telluride. The Telluride Tourism Board has launched a massive direct-mailing campaign, and Telluride hotels have dropped their rates. This is all an effort to attract tourism, because the Tourism Board reports that hotel reservations are down 25 percent from 2007. Elsewhere in the Four Corners, Flagstaff homeless shelters are seeing the effects of the nation's recession. Two emergency shelters there are turning away people because the beds are full. Some Flagstaff churches are acting as overflow spots, but officials who work with the homeless population know that these are temporary solutions. In Cortez, Colo., Crow Canyon Archaeological Center has cut back staff. The Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper laid off staff. There are several examples. But, there is a silver lining that High Country News Editor Jonathan Thompson writes eloquently about in the newspaper's Nov. 21 issue. Thompson says the West is historically used to boom-and-bust cycles. The Old West endured them, and he believes the New West will as well. In the same issue, columnist Ed Quillen says that the tanking economy is good when it comes to growth and industry. Quillen writes that the economy is helping diminish the desire for using the West's lands and resources - and sort of unintended consequence that perhaps will slow growth and give the area's land and water resources, and the air quality too, some much-needed reprieve.
Navajos Enter Gaming Industry
The Navajo Nation opened its first casino in November. Fire Rock Casino opened just a few miles east of Gallup, N.M. This is the tribes first foray into the gaming industry. It is one of six that the nation plans to open in the near future. Leaders expect the casino to generate about $32 million in annual revenue, which is about a fifth of the Navajo's tribal budget each year. The Navajos enter the realm of Indian gaming. The National Indian Gaming Association has reported that in 2006, 225 tribes in 28 states saw more than $25 billion in revenues. Navajo Nation officials say the casino will provide much-needed jobs for tribal members.
The Navajo Nation opened its first casino in November. Fire Rock Casino opened just a few miles east of Gallup, N.M. This is the tribes first foray into the gaming industry. It is one of six that the nation plans to open in the near future. Leaders expect the casino to generate about $32 million in annual revenue, which is about a fifth of the Navajo's tribal budget each year. The Navajos enter the realm of Indian gaming. The National Indian Gaming Association has reported that in 2006, 225 tribes in 28 states saw more than $25 billion in revenues. Navajo Nation officials say the casino will provide much-needed jobs for tribal members.
New Mountain Biking Trails
A proposed change to regulations by the National Park System may make it easier to open trails to mountain biking. The suggested changes would be for places only deemed noncontroversial for mountain biking. Exact wording and proposals are yet to come, but already mountain biking advocacy groups and hiking advocacy groups are going head to head about the controversial issue. What is known is that "opening a trail to bicycling must be done in compliance with the National Park Service Organic Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Historic Preservation Act, and all NPS General Management Planning processes," says Dirt Rag Magazine. More to come on this issue.
A proposed change to regulations by the National Park System may make it easier to open trails to mountain biking. The suggested changes would be for places only deemed noncontroversial for mountain biking. Exact wording and proposals are yet to come, but already mountain biking advocacy groups and hiking advocacy groups are going head to head about the controversial issue. What is known is that "opening a trail to bicycling must be done in compliance with the National Park Service Organic Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Historic Preservation Act, and all NPS General Management Planning processes," says Dirt Rag Magazine. More to come on this issue.
What's Blue and Green All Over?
Solix Biofuels, a company based in Fort Collins, Colo., is planning to build an algae biofuel facility in Ignacio, Colo. The company focuses on creating biofuels from algae. In its first round of outside funing, it has raised $10.5 million, with another $5 million commitment coming from investors. The Durango-area facility will be a significant advancement, providing the capabilities to produce thousands of gallons of algae-based biofuel at a rate per acre higher than current projects, according to the company. "As the world moves to replace fossil fuels with the clean, renewable energy of the future, we see algae as a highly attractive alternative to agricultural crop feedstocks," said Doug Henston, CEO of Solix, said in a statement. "We secured this investment with energy industry innovators who see the potential for algae to transform our energy economy. Our partners understand Solix Biofuels' technologies and the potential for large-scale commercialization."
Solix Biofuels, a company based in Fort Collins, Colo., is planning to build an algae biofuel facility in Ignacio, Colo. The company focuses on creating biofuels from algae. In its first round of outside funing, it has raised $10.5 million, with another $5 million commitment coming from investors. The Durango-area facility will be a significant advancement, providing the capabilities to produce thousands of gallons of algae-based biofuel at a rate per acre higher than current projects, according to the company. "As the world moves to replace fossil fuels with the clean, renewable energy of the future, we see algae as a highly attractive alternative to agricultural crop feedstocks," said Doug Henston, CEO of Solix, said in a statement. "We secured this investment with energy industry innovators who see the potential for algae to transform our energy economy. Our partners understand Solix Biofuels' technologies and the potential for large-scale commercialization."
Only in New York
So this tidbit isn't exactly related to the Four Corners - other than it's about cycling. Even if it's urban cycling, it's still interesting. The New York Post recently had a story about a rickshaw driver in Manhattan who pedals his bike while towing a a small dance floor and pole. On that floor and pole is, yep, a go-go dancer. The PoleRider, as he calls himself, hopes to take his getup to parties as a gag, charging some $300 for the first hour (and $200 an hour after that) as entertainment. The avid mountain biker was looking for a way to combine urban cycling and go-go dancing in a way the public can see it.
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