Running Wild: Moab, Utah, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

1999

Abstract

By the 20th century the National Park Service, the United States Forest Service (USFS), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), were shaping the American West with lasting imprints. Controversies remain today among each agency's agendas but an agency role in managing public lands remains influential and the impacts beyond debate. Two towns in the American West highlight similar processes yet divergent outcomes based on this land tenure. Moab, Utah, sits between two National Parks, Canyonlands and Arches, and much of the remaining property is managed by the BLM. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is situated south of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and much of the remaining land is managed by the USFS. These two towns have collectively seen many land uses through time: ranching, agriculture, mining, stewardship, and currently tourism and recreational travel. Because of the current national popularity, the residents on the remaining limited private land are torn over meeting the needs of a local or larger visiting population. These towns' legacies are visible on the economy, community, environment, and landscape and are also responsible for Moab's and Jackson Hole's strong sense of place. At issue is evolving land use and the up to the moment conflicts that result from the current tourism interaction.

Comments

Publisher: University of Nevada, Reno

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