Deseret News | Activist defends his lease tactics

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Activist defends his lease tactics

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Just buy the lease | 9:31 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The Nature Conservancy buys property it wants to conserve rather than using tactics like this guy's. To all who would like to contribute to help pay for his costs on the leases, cool. If you want to protect the property, just buy it/lease it.

Dave | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

After reading the posts it is obvious that the few supporters of this 'activist' are clueless as to what these leases are all about.

Long time in jail | 9:34 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I hope this evil guy spends a long time in jail for his pernicious actions. It is corrupt thinking people like him who are bringing our incredible country to it's knees. He single handedely helped increase the price of precious oil to not only you and me, but to those who are honorably serving and defending us abroad against people like him. If he doesn't appreciate the God-given benefits of capitalism and democracy, then he should be stripped of his AMERICAN rights and sent to Russia or Iraq or another country where he belongs!

Comments continue below

Ernest T. Bass | 9:43 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Well Done!
This is monkey wrenching at it's best, no actual destruction just civil disruption and disobedience.

THANKS TIM!!!!!!!!!!! | 9:53 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

YOU JUST MADE THE COST OF ALL OUR FOSSIL FUELS GO UP!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!! YOU DID IT!!!!!TIM I AM SURE YOU WON"T PAY FOR IT, SOMEHOW ALL OF US CITIZENS WITH A NORMAL BRAIN WILL PAY FOR IT IN THE END!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!YOU DA MAN!!!WE ALL NEED TO PAY MORE DURING THIS TIME IN OUR COUNTRY AND STATE!!!!CAUSE ALL OF US CAN AFFORD THE EXTRA MONEY YOU WILL COST US BY YOUR ACTIONS!!!!

enviromentalist | 9:54 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

enviromentalist and those that live in big cabins in the woods.
They insist on having running water, gas, and power.
They then insist that no one be allowed to build around them, and condem others for wanting water, gas, and power.
The worse of these enviromentalist, live on the East Coast, Fly in on their private jets, and think the west coast is their own private forest.

Omby | 10:03 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I'm tired of environmentalist claims that we are destroying our planet. I believe in conservationism and in taking care of what God has given us, but I also believe that God created the earth for the use of man and that includes the use of oil and many other natural resources. I'm sick of the lies spread by the environmental movement. If anyone with any intellect at all would do some real research, they will find there is virtually no evidence to support 90% of so-called environmentalist claims. Even Al Gore's movie has been proven to be about 85% wrong. Furthermore, most notable environmental scientists say the earth is in a cooling trend now and has been for a few years. I believe that global warming and cooling occurs, but I don't believe that man causes it. I don't think we have that kind of power.

Chip | 10:12 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

How many years a row does the earth have to cool before clowns like this will admit that global warming is and always was a farce? History has shown that the earth warmed and cooled long before the advent of the SUV--and it is cooling, not warming, as we speak.

accomplished nothing | 10:21 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

This young man has accomplished nothing but throwing away his own future.
The degree he is trying for will be unless once he is a convicted felon.
The land will be resold, and there is no chance of this happening again.
If he is federally charged, which he probably will be, he will face a minimum mandatory sentance which could be 10-40 years.
One thing you do not want to do is commit a federal crime.
The fact he is not in jail right now is just because they are deciding what crime(s) to charge him with.
I hope he enjoys his last christmas with his family in Colorado.

Marie | 10:20 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Where do I begin? Maybe it's in the water, or maybe it's the mountains that seem to isolate the people of this state, but I am profoundly horrified by the ignorance that has been demonstrated over this matter. As I sit and contemplate what this man did, I feel the need to thank the Lord. After all He gave us this Earth, and we have NO right to destroy all of it's beauty. Yes, I am religious and yes, I am somewhat liberal. Shocking isn't it! Not really, I've just learned the special secret that you can be open minded and still be a good person. Maybe some of you should try it. It gives life more substance.
I don't think we are the clueless ones. We think things through, and then we take action.

Red | 10:37 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Throw Book at Him! 6:07 am: "[Environmentalists] try to save mountain lions from hunting by banning it in California and now pets, children and adults are atttacked often...."

Reality disagrees with you.

"... the reality, according to Kyle Orr, California Department of Fish and Game spokesman, is that attacks by mountain lions and bears are extremely rare. 'Since 1890, there have only been 14 verified attacks on humans by mountain lions and only six of those were fatal,' Orr said." - "Mountain lions, bears not much of a risk, officials say" by Brandon Darnell, Lincoln (CA) News Messenger 11/26/2008

Oregonian | 10:39 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Some of the comments here are rediculouse! To think that clearing a 50x100 spot of desert in Utah to drill a whole the size of a softball is "raping the land" is absolutely idiotic!! I work in the Natural Resource world, and this kind of irrisponsible lazy compartmentalism of issues does no service to the "the environment" which these people claim to be protecting.

This entire movement is a creation of a fat, rich, lazy, yuppy society... of which we have become. You shop at your "organic" stores and snack on your "organic" granola bars while you hike on trails in Utah and preach the gospel of environmentalism. It all makes me sick. When was the last time you actually walked through a stand of timber, or lived off the land. Oh, that's right, you don't have to sink to that level because you have your office in town, and your hybrid suburu to get you to the nearest trail head.

Do you even know anything about BLM protocal for drilling? Do you know the BMP's that they have in place for this sort of activity? I am sure that you do not, and niether does this guy!!!!!!!

Benson Nailed It | 10:55 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

in his column today. Tim DeChristopher is a publicity seeking hypocrite. Its too bad the writer of the news article didn't have share of Benson's skepticism. This guy is no hero.

hipocrites | 11:16 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

All of these "activists" are hipocrites and in this case they are criminals. They need to prosecute to the fullest extent if he can't fulfill the agreement he entered into when he bid on the land.

Gig | 11:19 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Drill baby drill. The mantra of conservatives. No regard to the aesetics of Utah's natural wonders. No regard to the future for our children's children. Just keep drillin. No foresight into alternative sources of energy. Hey all you addicts, look at Brazil, Denmark, Germany and what they have done to wean of oil. Maybe those darn socialists have something..... After you read then you may realize that exploiting a few wells in Utahs most scenic areas will not do a thing to reduce gas prices or dependence. You then may realize that the enviro wackos had it right all along. Repubs just want to siphon off the last few drops left with not a single thought to the future. Kudos to this couragous young man and shame on all of you who wish him the worst possible punishment. If ever a witch hunt....

Donor | 11:26 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Where do I send my US$10 in support of Tim?

Mike | 11:30 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Even if you are an environmentalist, you have to admit this guy's tactics are lazy and dumb, at best. If he really cared about the land so much (and if other environmentalists care so much) why didn't they actually raise the money to bid on and purchase the land? They could then prevent any drilling whatsoever for as long as they like.

The truth is, they don't care about the land enough to put up their own money.

scooter | 11:32 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

DN-you're giving this way too much play. NEXT? One day's coverage was overkill.

leftist shill Speckman | 11:53 a.m. Dec. 21, 2008

once again writes a one sided piece, Lee Benson did a good job for balance.

Steve Glaser | 12:35 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Everyone is saying that this guy ought to be locked away. But what law did he break?

Only the Daft | 12:42 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The government holds millions of acres of land and these leases are not going to be the end of the world as we know it. Environmentals are the biggest hypocrites in the world. Conservation is the answer to managing lands and resources properly.

What kills me about the article is this quote: "DeChristopher moved to Utah three years ago for a job in wilderness therapy". Wilderness Therapy? What does that entail? Does he go and talk to the trees and sagebrush? Sounds like some environmental think tank is making up job titles to enable individuals like DeChristpher to rip off the taxpayers of this nation.

Censorship | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I see the Deseret News is using a 10:1 censorship rule here, so that the anti-earth Party Line is represented.

Has this Guy... | 12:43 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

ever worked an honest day in his life, or is he one of these bored types turned activist?

The Rock | 12:47 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

We need global warming now.

I live in the Seattle area and we have had snow on the ground for more than a week (very unusual).

It snowed in Vegas.
It snowed in Malibu.
Spokan received record breaking snow.

The earth has been in a cooling trend for 10 years.

I say don't let anyone into an auction until after they have proven they have the money to pay for the lease. If they don't do anything with it for 10 years then it gets resold.

Hey Stevo | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The most corrupt presidency in history? Really?

mark | 1:10 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Oregonian, you say that all the extraction industry does is "clearing a 50x100 spot of desert in Utah to drill a whole the size of a softball"
So how does the industry get the equipment into this 50X100 (foot I assume) spot of desert? By helicopter?
And how do they remove and transport any product? By blimp?
No, I think I will take Geezers statements over yours. He sounds rational, and he has experience.

Terry Tempest Williams | 1:11 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

This is truly an act of civil disobedience central to the America tradition of social justice when other avenues of discourse fail and I applaud you, Tim, for your courage. The oil and gas companies, the
BLM, cry that this kind of behavior is fraudulent, illegal - but what about the selling off of our public lands at the last minute of the last hour of a rogue administration who has broken the back of this country in their greed and insatiable appetite to service two wars? It's all related. We would do well to all show up and bid up these sales and expose them for what they are, bogus attempts to fuel our nation's failed energy policy. One more month...and
counting.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT! | 1:17 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

All of you liberal, Communist, NOBAMA-supporting tree huggers need to remember that God gave us this land to use plus all of it's resources for our benefit. If you want something pretty to look at, go paint a picture! During the Bush administration until the Democrats took over Congress in 2006, Americans experienced the most incredible economic growth in American history. Now, due to the antigrowth and socialist policies of people like Mr. DeChristopher, we are going into a recession! What do you people not understand!?!

Choose the right (the GOP) in 2012!

re: Steve Glaser | 1:20 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

You asked about what law DeChristopher broke. I believe the correct term is fraud. So he can now hang his hat with all the others who have bilked money from people because they believe their own personal cause (whether stopping people from digging holes in the ground or just padding their own wallet) justifies defrauding others.

Too bad his parents didn't instill a strong sense of integrity along with a love for the environment.

TTWillet | 1:32 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Civil disobedience is an honored American tradition
regarding freedom of speech when all other avenues
fail. Bravo, Tim, for finding a way to expose the
corruption of the oil and gas companies in collusion
with the BLM. This is a brave and daring act of democracy. It is not fraudulent or criminal. What is fraudulent and criminal is the behavior of this
administration in the last minute of the last hour
of their corrupt administration married to war and a failed energy policy.

Anonymous | 1:34 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Thank you for coming to Utah to protect it form its citizens (99% of them would never benefit at all from this deal- other than be left with a ravaged landscape for their kids and grandkids) Intresting how such a god fearing crowd hate the very Earth he created.

We cold use more creative folks like you in this state! I salute you!

louis | 1:36 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Bravo. Brave and Courageous.

Really, Rosa Parks Comparison? | 2:02 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

That's the most ridiculous thing I've heard in a long time since showing up to parties in sweat pants.

Part of civil disobedience is accepting the consequences of your actions, which Tim in no way will do. Some fancy ACLU lawyer will volunteer to get him out of the mess he's put himself. What a joker this guy is.

I hope they make him pay the $1.8 he owes.

RE: Louis | 2:06 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Bravo. Dumb and embarrassing.

Hypocrite | 2:11 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Guys like this just get their jollies out of protesting anything. What hypocrites. He deserves prison. At least a ticket back to wherever he came from.

Sundance Ski Resort | 2:25 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

would look better without those hideous ski lift towers that Redford has put up on the beautiful land in Provo canyon. Maybe some environmentalist should go up there and cut them down. Now that would some real civil disobedience.

Simpleton | 2:33 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Tim's actions reveal his own simple-mindedness and that of the green kool-aid drinkers in general. They believe that mankind can switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources overnight and we continue to use them because none of us care about the environment. Their belief is analogous to children who believes that an overweight man can deliver presents to billions of children across the globe in one night.

In reality, most people (at least in America) care about the environment. Been to Mexico lately? There is garbage everywhere! Alternative fuel consumption is not going happen until it makes sense economically. I'd be happy to stop consuming fossil fuels as long as I and my family are still still able to enjoy the same standard of living. Until the greenies can offer me that, I will continue to consider them simplistic, alarmist, crazy radicals.

Thinkin' Man | 2:39 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I hope he's prosecuted for fraud.

He's a hero, period | 2:45 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

The horrible and hate filled posts that litter this board are the last, few remnants of a dying breed. Mr. DeChristopher is slightly ahead of his time and within a generation we will all have caught up. The 'God gave us the land to ravage' and 'global warming wannabe mythbusters' will soon be dead. its evolution at its best.

so, take your last breath of polluted air b/c soon you'll be gone and we'll take the helm to turn this country into the REAL America envisioned by our forefathers. buh bye!!!

Still fed up | 2:43 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Make him pay for the leases he bid on and won.

He committed fraud bidding up prices of parcels that others won, so he needs to be charged with that too.

I hope the big oil companies' lawyers sue him into poverty for making them pay more for their leases.

Drill here. Drill now!

RE: little guy | 3:19 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

How dare you use the rape, you HAVE NO IDEA what rape is if you use it in this context.

WEST VIRGINIA | 3:27 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Glad he left our state. I'm a friend of coal and so are many of my neigbhors. Keep coal burning and my power bill low. Hang him.

Timj | 3:49 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Civil disobedience at its finest. Like all forms of civil disobedience, many people disagree with it. This man is willing to face the consequences of his actions. He realizes that he may spend some time in jail, or need to declare bankruptcy (bankruptcy appears to be something that many of the above posters aren't smart enough to grasp).
A brave decision, with consequences, but it gives those of us who see injustice in the world courage and hope.

Prosecute here, Prosecute now! | 3:51 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

This guy should be made to pay for the bids that he won. What he did was to ignore the laws of the land. His extreme environmental buddies will bail him out anyway, let them spend some of their money to defend this wacko point of view. When you really read what he said: "What I did was significant, but it won't change the world," DeChristopher said. "But for now he is looking forward to spending the holidays with his family in Colorado." "I have the opportunity to get my message out there, and I will take advantage of every opportunity," How can we as a law abiding public do anything but call for the payment for the leases and follow the development of the lease or serve the jail time with the penalties that go with it. This type of extreme environmentalist does harm the average citizen. I would dare say that he has never set foot in the Uintah Basin to see where the drilling is taking place. Nor has he studied the laws and rules that he agreed to by bidding and winning the lease sales that he did. Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.

can't wait | 3:55 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

To the person that thinks its great @ 8:14; I wasn't specifically talking about an energy source, but lets start with that. What energy source can you use without using some resource from earth to take advantage of it. After you have figured out how to use the sun or the wind (or whatever else you have in mind) without using the earth's resources tell me what you are going to use the energy for once you have it. To power your petroleum and mineral based computer, perhaps?

Censorship 2 | 4:05 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

I tried to post at 6 am and at 3 pm there were no threats or vulgarity. My post was Prosecute here, Prosecute now! The Deseret news does not want anybodies thoughts. Talk about a media biases.

true simpleton | 4:13 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

@ simpleton

i'll keep this simple so you understand.

You are right when you say 'most people care about the environment' but you are also part of society's problem when saying 'I'd be happy to stop consuming fossil fuels as long as I and my family (sic) are still able to enjoy the same standard of living.'

What Mr. DeChristopher and 'greenies' are attempting to pound into your head is mainly twofold:

First, while keeping the citizenry 'fed and entertained' ensures they won't revolt (you are a product of this) there are real issues that must be addressed now, yet those who yield power in many channels of society are unwilling to enact necessary changes to move us efficiently to alternative fuels. Strong tactics are needed to break us from this lull.

Second, this planet is on loan from God (or any other deity one may or may not support). And just like any loan in life, interest can build quickly and eventually consume you, providing zero options in the end.

The indifference you harbor will only be dispelled by abrupt disruptions in the status quo. Those changes can either come via greeny 'wake up' calls or irreversible planetary damage.

Anonymous | 4:20 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

Good on you man! We need more people willing to stand up against our corrupt government. These lands should never be drilled, developed, or turned into industrial wastelands.

Our local government should be fired since clearly they don't care enough about their state to make a stand.

We need more people like Tim to help spark change.

Does anyone remember the trolley system we had in Salt Lake City? Most of us don't because our corrupt government supports big oil and not clean energy. We are forced to use fossil fuels because it is the only option. So for all the negative people on here... Tim was trying to make our state better. We should applaud him for that. He can't get to his home in Colorado because the U.S. government has put renewable energy on the back shelf, and made the automakers the heros. Corrupt, Corrupt, Corrupt. There should be no bail out for the auto industry. That money should go to help create a state of the art passanger rail system throughout the United States. Bring back the trolley, get rid of our pollution.

Re: Timj | 4:46 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

"A brave decision, with consequences, but it gives those of us who see injustice in the world courage and hope."

The fact that law-breaking gives you courage and hope is telling.

There are many appropriate ways for Mr. DeChristopher to make his case. Fraud is not one of them.

Johnny Bravo | 4:45 p.m. Dec. 21, 2008

*** "He realizes that he may spend some time in jail, or need to declare bankruptcy (bankruptcy appears to be something that many of the above posters aren't smart enough to grasp)." ***

Not sure you're right there - bankruptcy is not neccesarily an option with criminal fines. And no, he's not willing to face the consequences - he's probably assuming a Presidet Obama will pardon him, or that federal lawyers won't charge him.

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