8 Comments
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

"The fence marks the beginning of the use-fee area of Butler Wash, meaning that a hiker or sightseer must pay $5 per day to access the public lands behind the fence. Meanwhile, a livestock operator would pay just $1.35 to put a cow/calf pair on the same land for an entire month." So absurd.

Thanks for the road trip. And please do keep spreading the word about the virtual crime of private livestock being subsidized to graze public lands in the increasingly arid West.

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

Wonderful pictures. The smoke played havoc with my automic clock. It is set by an automic clock in Colorado. I almost threw it out because I had just put in new batteries so I figured it had died. I knew you were getting a lot of smoke in CO so I waited and as fire control of the CA fires grew a little better my clock reset its self. We lucked out this time with little smoke from CA fires.

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

Mixed emotions, but mostly enjoyed viewing, made me a bit homesick. Still have plenty of fire & smoke here in S. Oregon/N. Calif. to contribute to 4 Corners sunsets. RDY

Expand full comment
founding
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

Not living in Cortez anymore, I really appreciate this trip down memory lane.

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

Wonderful pictures, Jonathan--thank you! Also, are you familiar with the Lifelong Learning series of talks through Fort Lewis? Dr. Dick While will be talking on 11/11/21 on "The Challenges of Drought in Durango". If you would like to sign up for weekly announcements about the talks, please contact me through the LLL webpage: www.fortlewis.edu/LLL Richard

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

I love this post Jonathan. Super impactful images. And beautiful.

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

The ridiculous fee livestock operators pay plus the additional subsidies blow the mind! Charging people $5. a DAY to access public lands & have to avoid manure & cows whose owners pay such a pittance? Kind of rubbing our noses in it, isnt it?

Absolutely beautiful pictures and all of these places should be protected - from livestock, mines AND humans!

Expand full comment
Sep 10, 2021Liked by Jonathan P. Thompson

Picture are glorious! Thanks for sharing.

Expand full comment