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There are Many 'Inconvenient Truths' in the World Today

The February 2 "Opinion" article by Darrell Mensel in The Insider about water use in the Colorado Basin was both clear and disturbing. The article showed that the use of water from the Colorado Basin is already overused and that the present water consumption is UNSUSTAINABLE. The problem is that MANY other resources are also over consumed and therefore unsustainable: fisheries, lumber (anyone who has bought a 2x4 lately knows that!), lithium, nickel, many rare earth metals (used in electronic devices including cars), copper, sand for concrete, bauxite, and the list goes on! We are also destroying the commons: land (the Amazon basin), both fresh and salt water (ocean acidification) and the air, because they have become dumping grounds for our excesses.

We can add to this overuse the places and leisurely experiences that we all love: The Wave, Zion National Park (and almost every other park around the world), Little Cottonwood Canyon, Barcelona, Spain (where there is a big push to limit tourists). Again, the list goes on!

A major part of this over consumption is our

Goings on...

Nominees Announced for the Wayne County Justice Court Vacancy

WAYNE CO. - The Wayne County Nominating Commission has selected three nominees for the judicial vacancy that will serve Wayne County, Utah. The position will replace Judge Roy Brown who retired in December, 2022.

Following are the nominees followed by place of employment and residence: over population. While the Colorado Basin is our local example, the problem of over population is repeated again and again around the world. The United States plays an oversized role in all of this because while we are only about 5% of the world population, and we consume about 20% of the world’s resources. Looking into the future, it is not difficult to see that if we do not start to recognize and respond successfully to these challenges, the consequences will be painful. If climate change brought on by our use of fossil fuels is an example, we are in for a world of hurt! For more than 50 years the warnings were there, but self interest by those who supported the use of fossil fuels and the lack of courage in our political leaders (not to mention political donations) have gotten us to where we are today, trying to play catch up.

When Al Gore produced “An Inconvenient Truth” (2006), he was referring to one thing: climate change. Now we face many “inconvenient truths,” and future generations will look back and ask “were they able to face those 'truths' and act responsibly to those challenges?”

David Hart, Torrey

GCNRA Low Water Update Feb. 10, 2023

GLEN CANYON

N.R.A. - Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is pleased to announce boat ramps remain operable in north Lake Powell at the Bullfrog North Ramp and in south Lake Powell at the Stateline Auxiliary Ramp. The lake level as of February 10 was 3522.1 feet (above sea level).

North Lake PowellBullfrog North Ramp

Operations: Additional boiler plate materials have been placed to extend motorized vessel access on the south side of the ramp for small, motorized vessels. The ramp became inoperable to houseboats and larger vessels when lake levels reached 3529 feet (above sea level). The park will be monitoring this ramp as water levels change. Signs are posted "launch at your own risk.” The north side of the ramp is barricaded and hard closed. Fourwheel drive vehicles are recommended for launching small vessels.

• South Lake Powell - Stateline Auxiliary

Ramp: This ramp remains operable 24/7 to motorized vessels of all sizes. The park has installed boiler plate material. The park is working with Aramark to extend the ramp once the water level recedes enough to be able to pour concrete. As was done last season during construction activities, the ramp will provide 24/7 access on boiler plates on one side of the ramp, while concrete is poured on the other side. When the new concrete has cured, access will rotate to the

• Donald Bone, Wayne County School District, resident of Loa, Judge Mark McIff, J.D., Judge in 11 other justice courts in the Sixth District, resident of Richfield, and

• Jeffrey Owens, J.D., attorney at law, resident of Panguitch.

A comment period will be held through today, February 16, 2023. A final candidate will then be selected by the Wayne County Commission within 30 days. The selection must then be certified by the Utah Judicial Council. To submit written comments about the candidates, please contact Amy Hernandez at amymh@utcourts.gov.

—Utah Courts

GCSO Continues Search for Missing Man

GARFIELD COUNTY - On February 2, 2023, following an investigative lead related to the last known location of Austin Madsen, Garfield County Deputies redirected the search as we believe he may have begin to travel off Mount Dutton on foot the same way he came in with his vehicle. With this information, search efforts were directed to the Black Canyon area. Arial drones, along with search and rescue teams on horseback, on foot, and in trackwheeled UTVs, scoured the cliffs and terrain throughout Black Canyon northward back towards Antimony, Utah. The search had originally been more limited and involved air support from the Utah Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau to protect the integrity of any tracks Austin may have left in the snow. As the search progressed into the fourth day, the decision was made to involve every asset available in an effort to develop new leads. Unfortunately, no signs of Austin were identified.

Garfield County will begin to transition search and rescue efforts from a dynamic and intensive search to a more passive approach to best allocate resources throughout the county. This includes the monitoring of Austin's phone, efforts by Garfield County Search and Rescue members, the listing of Austin in a national database, and an all-police bulletin to be on the lookout for Austin during their routine operations. This does not mean hope is lost. Austin is known to be in great physical shape and has considerable backcountry skills that he can use to survive.

other side. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the park believes the bathymetry at this ramp will ensure sustainable, long-term motorized vessel access to south Lake Powell. The Stateline Auxiliary ramp is open for paddle craft users until May 1, 2023.

• North Wash Primitive

Ramp: Conditions at North Wash Ramp were recently reviewed and the primitive ramp is deteriorating rapidly. Prior to historic low water levels in Lake Powell, the North Wash Primitive Ramp was deemed unstainable by multiple hydrologists due to the dynamic hydrology of the Colorado River in this location. No additional work will be conducted in this area for the 2023 boating season. Rafters are advised to use the Bullfrog North Ramp downstream.

Bureau of Reclamation

(BOR) Information:

BOR Projections can be viewed at usbr.gov.

(BOR provides monthly updates of Lake Powell elevation projections.)

Information is also available on BOR Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/coloradoriverbasin

Due to the complex mix of factors that affect Lake Powell’s water levels, Lake Powell boaters are asked to please be aware that it will not be known when the lake reaches a certain water level until it occurs. Before heading to the lake, boaters should check the park’s website for the status of their preferred launch/retrieval destination.

—Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

With extremely low temperatures and wind chills compounding the effects of sub-zero conditions, it is our best hope that Austin Madsen has possibly self-rescued from this situation and has yet to contact authorities or family members. At this point, air operations and assigned deputies will be suspended from actively searching the Mount Dutton area as those resources have exhausted every effort available to open any new investigative leads. As the Garfield County Sheriff's Office has an open and direct line of communication with Mr. Madsen's family, this office asks that they be afforded the space and privacy they need in order to deal with this difficult situation. We encourage the public to contact our office if they encounter or observe anyone matching Austin's description.

Garfield County Sheriff's Office will continue to actively investigate any new leads and provide updates as information becomes available. We would like to thank and recognize the assistance from the Piute County Sheriff's Office, Sevier County Search and Rescue, Iron County Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, Kane County Search and Rescue, the Department of Public Safety Aero Bureau, Kane County Sheriff's Office, and all the volunteers and agencies that came out to help look. Any inquiries may be directed to the Garfield County Sheriff's Office at 435-676-2678.

—Garfield County Sheriff's Office

CDC's Public Health Associate Program Host Site Application Opens

U.S. - The U.S. Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support has announced the opening of the Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) host site application, which will close on February 28, 2023. As a host site, an early career public health professional will be placed at your organization for a two-year assignment and will gain experience in public health program operations while helping to increase your agency's capacity. Organizations that serve rural communities, from state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies; nongovernmental organizations such as community-based organizations, public health institutes and associations; and academic institutions are encouraged to apply.

The host site will receive benefits including: Insights and valuable skillsets from the CDC-funded associate placed at their organization.

• A partnership with the CDC and added resources to address staff shortages and funding gaps.

• Online learning opportunities and access to CDC subject matter expertise.

PHAP senior staff are available for one-on-one or group information briefings and webinars. If you are interested in setting up a briefing, please email PHAP@cdc. gov. Rural-serving entities are encouraged to submit host site applications to increase public health services for rural communities.

Find more information on the CDC's PHAP host site page. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2023.

—USDA Rural Development

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Bryce Centennial: Bryce Canyon’s centennial year is an opportunity to celebrate not only the rich past but also the present and future of this national park. —Jim Ireland, Bryce Canyon National Park superintendent

Bryce Centennial

Cont'd from A1

Hoodoo You Love? Social Media Theme: Feb- ruary

• Ruby’s Inn Winter Festival: February 18-20

• Historic Photo Exhibit: April through November at Bryce Lodge

• Utah Prairie Dog Day: May 11

• Centennial Ceremony and Concert featuring

The Piano Guys: June 8

• Astronomy Festival:

June 14-17

• Bryce Canyon Butterfly Count: July 8

• Geology Festival: July 14-15

• All Employee Reunion: August 24-26

• Plein Air “Paint Out” with Escalante Canyons

Art Festival: September 18

• Bryce Canyon Heritage Days Festival: September 28-30

Annular Eclipse: October 14

Christmas Bird Count: December 16

All centennial events will be open to the public, though some may require advance registration through the park or a partner organization. Visit www.BryceCanyon.org for information about centennial events and partnership initiatives.

The park will also be sharing centennial stories all year long on social media, and visitors are invited to share their centennial experiences by using the hashtag #BRYCE100.

As always, those planning a visit this year are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting the park’s website at www.nps.gov/brca and to download the free NPS app before they arrive.

—National Park Service

Wayne Commission: The Bicknell Bottoms

Project and removal of the Utah prairie dog's "threatened" status under the Endangered Species Act, Planning and Zoning Board member approvals, Wayne County Sheriff's Office new hires and concerns regarding facilities space, the Hanksville Diversion, and road grading of Juniper Drive in Torrey discussed.

Wayne Commission Cont'd from A1

Endangered Species Act. He stated, “The Utah prairie dog is flourishing in the state.” He would like to see a united front between entities, which would include the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and all counties where prairie dogs are located. Commissioner Brian said, “Prairie dogs are a problem at the Wayne Wonderland Airport.” They are being trapped and relocated to public lands. It may take five to ten years to get them taken off of the Endangered Species Act list. Bunnell was also here for the yearly Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) payment, which was accepted and approved.

Next was Colleen Allen who presented the names and dates for the Planning and Zoning Board member approval. The first two names are Marion Chappell and Richard Jensen, whose term will expire at the end of 2023. Dennis Hiskey and Travis Van Orden, whose term will expire at the end of 2026, and Julie Howard, whose term will expire in 2025. This was accepted and approved.

Wayne County Sheriff Gulley was next on the agenda with approval of two new hires. They had a total of three applicants and chose the top two. All the applicants have passed a background check and physical. The two individuals who are going to be hired will start post on May 16th and will graduate in August. The department is looking to find people who want to work, live and stay awhile in Wayne County. This was accepted and approved. As of this writing, the candidates have not been notified of their status. Gulley also voiced some other concerns regarding facilities space. He would like to have space for an interview and evidence room. The commissioners advised him to go look at the buildings that the county own and that are not being utilized at this time to see if any would work for the requirements of the department.

Garrick Wilden with Jones and DeMille Engineering had an update for the commissioners regarding the Hanksville Diversion. A quick summary: Back in 2006/2007, the original diversion dam failed, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) came in and paid for the failed diversion and had a new one built. When the new diversion failed last year, pumps were brought in to pump water out of the river and into the canal for irrigation purposes. Wilden updated the commissioners on the fact that there is little to no bedrock to anchor a new dam into and that the stream bed has been lowered at some locations up to 20’. The original dam site was going to be used until a fault line was found at this location. The goal is to find a site that a structure can be built on and remain stabilized during flood season. This year, the pumping station and pumps will be used again to irrigate the lands. Wilden stated, “This is the most difficult and frustrating project I have ever worked on.”

John Dillenbeck was last on the agenda with issues that have arisen in Torrey. Dillenbeck lives on Juniper Drive. For 19 years, the County took care of the road by grading it twice a year. When the community decided to annex into Torrey Town, Mayor Scott Chestnut continued to grade Juniper Drive twice a year. Since the new mayor and council have been in office, the road no longer gets graded, and according to Dillenbeck, the people who live on Juniper Drive can get no answers from the governing entities. The commissioners said that since they lived in Torrey Town that they would have to take it back to the city for answers or try and reannex back into unincorporated Wayne County.

Other Items of Business: Attorney Compensation: Michael Winn, the new Wayne County Attorney, would like to roll over the expenses that have been budgeted for his office into his salary. He states that he does not require a research assistant/secretary, office equipment, etc,. He would also like to be able to get on the health insurance and retirement plans. He would like to have the commissioners look into making the County Attorney position a full-time position instead of part-time. This was accepted and approved.

Meals for Senior Citizens: Home-delivered meals to senior citizens was presented by Commissioner Brian. There are about 11 to 15 seniors getting home-delivered meals at this time. The meals that are currently being offered are frozen meals which are delivered twice a month by UPS, who just sets them on your porch. Commissioner Brian would like input: “Do we take this on ourselves or do we continue with the systems we have?”

A concerned citizen asked about adopting a senior and taking in daily meals since the numbers are so low.

Six County Association of Governments (AOG) Loan: Approximately 25 years ago, Six County AOG took out a federal loan for $200,00 that would help with the start up costs of small businesses located in the Six County area. That loan is now coming due. Commissioner Brain wanted input from the other commissioners on how Wayne County should pay for their portion, which will be due soon. Commissioner Blackburn would like the new County Attorney to look over the original contract and advise them on how to proceed.

Fire District Equipment: Commissioner Blackburn stated, “This is a big deal for the safety of our firefighters.” There are six fire districts located within Wayne County, and they all have different and out dated equipment. Commissioner Blackburn would like to purchase 19 new SCBA units (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus units). each including a face mask, regulator, frame, tank, hoses, backpack and an alarm system. The cost of these units would be around $170,000, which could possibly fit into the COVID monies criteria.

Vouchers: Vouchers were accepted and approved.

If you would like to attend the next commission meeting, it will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 10 a.m. You can listen to this meeting, any past meeting and future commission meetings at PMN@Utah.gov.

The Wayne County Commission meets the first and third Monday of every month at the Wayne County Courthouse in Loa.