Comments about ‘Utah groups throw support behind monuments bill’

Grand Teton National Park was first protected as a National Monument by use of this Presidential power. Had it not been set aside, Jenny Lake would have motels, gas stations, convience stores, and the entire Teton valley would be dotted with McMansions. Often National Parks are initially opposed, but turn out to be appreciated in the long term.

In terms of a possible San Rafael Swell National Park, I think cattle grazing should be highlighted in this park, so that this important part of western culture can be preserved for future generations.

I share Ken Burns' opinion that our national parks are "America's Best Idea", but I think the idea of checks and balances between branches of our government is right up there with it.

We have welfare ranchers looking at the public's land like an entitlement.

Powderskier | 8:35 a.m Read about the noble cowboy in the Wyoming Range Wars: also called the Johnson County Wars. You will read accounts of cowboys hanging homesteaders who legally where following the Homestead Act.

I'm fine with national parks, monuments etc. However it appeared that Utah had very little control over President Clinton's designation years ago.

So do the states in which these momuments are located have any part in this process?

I would like the...recommendation? for a national park/monument..to go to the president from a state representative and not from Robert Redford or the Sierra Club.

Not Scared: Thaks for your response which was thoughtful. Ranching is a vanishing way of life, and yet is tied to the western landscape. I don't believe that cattle ranching is seriously damaging the San Rafael ecosystem. By including ranching as a theme in a future San Rafael National Park, we can ensure that future generations can be made aware of this important western culture, just the way that other National Parks highlight indigenous cultures. In the Tetons, cattle ranchers provide an important green buffer to the park, and work closely with the conservation community.