Author Archives: Mark

About Mark

Stroke in 10/2021 and still figuring it out.

Post-Primeval Poop Primer

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The first shit in the woods is a pure rite of passage for any mountain person. Sure, you can be a casual day hiker for years and avoid it, and maybe even last through a few overnight trips. But sooner or later, you’ll need to confront your ancestral self and drop one amongst the evergreens, without your favorite magazine, scented candle, or plush bathroom rug under your toes.  Brendon Leonard takes us for a true out back journey.  . . .more>>

New Wilderness Designations in Montana?

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The possibility of breaking the 28-year stretch of no new wilderness designations in Montana by designating the Sleeping Giant and Sheep Creek WSAs thrills John Gatchell, the conservation director for the Montana Wilderness Association.   “That area looks the same now as it did when Lewis and Clark passed through here 200 years ago,” Gatchell said. “Captain Clark walked across it hunting, while Lewis brought the boats up the Missouri River. It has a lot of historical value for us here in Lewis and Clark County — it’s our heritage.”   BLM Director Bob Abbey recently visited the area.  . . . more>> 

Chas. S. Clifton on Eric Blehm’s THE LAST SEASON

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. . . backcountry rangers are like the adjunct professors who teach more than half all all university classes.. They do the work, but they have no job security from one year to the next. They have no pension plans and far fewer benefits than permanent employees. And Randy Morgenson was past the middle of his career.  His marriage was going downhill.  One day, he missed his radio check, part of the routine for backcountry rangers who camped out and worked alone. And the next day.  His colleagues grew worried . . . more>>

Grow Hay and Drain the Colorado River

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The Flaming Gorge Pipeline Project (FGP) is a proposed diversion of the Green River at Flaming Gorge for the purposes of sending water to Denver and the front range of Colorado.  The pipeline would follow the I-80 corridor and could head as far south as Pueblo, CO.  The FGP is intended to withdraw 250,000 acre-feet of water per year from both the Flaming Gorge Reservoir (165,000 acre-feet) and the Green River above the reservoir (85,000 acre-feet).  Since most of the water in the West is used for growing hay, might not hay be better place to find water?  . . . more>>

Voting for Oil Field Vistas?

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You don’t have to be an environmental activist to believe that it would be criminal to see oil, gas, or coal mining corporations destroy our beautiful canyons and our wild lands. Not all agree, including members of the Legislature’s Redistricting Committee, several of whom are also members of the Patrick Henry Caucus. And Gov. Gary Herbert.  . . . more>>

Watch TV About Going Outside

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Outdoor Channel today announced the launch of the second annual “Conservation Tour of Duty” as part of its Outdoor Channel Corps initiative. The Company’s Outdoor Channel Corps philanthropic effort mobilizes volunteers to restore and improve public lands and spaces to ensure that the outdoor lifestyle thrives in local communities across the U.S.  Is it too ironic to watch TV about going outside?   . . . more>>