Description
Background: GSENM was established to protect the various aspects noted in the GSENM Proclamation, in which the cultural resources were specifically identified. During recent interactions with the GSENM-area public of Kane and Garfield Counties, GSENM became aware of a lack of documented history regarding livestock grazing and the importance of the historical aspects of ranching to the cultural makeup and continuity of local communities. While more general histories of both Kane and Garfield Counties have been produced in the recent past by the Utah State Historical Society, these only touch upon the complexities of ranching in this environment considered marginal for such activities. The Southern Utah Oral History Program has, over the past 15 years, collected a large number of interviews from long-term local residents, but again these have not been synthesized into one historical document. The production of a detailed history as outlined here would greatly benefit the public not only in the GSENM area, but as a local example of ranching that is applicable across much of the western United States. The anticipated recipient of the agreement would be an organization whose efforts are closely aligned with the goals and protections outlined in the GSENM Proclamation with respect to cultural resources. To adequately protect a resource, the resource in question must be understood in the fullest possible context, and this knowledge shared with the general public. Greater awareness leads to a better understanding of the resource, and appreciation and participation by the public. Objectives: The proposed project will provide an opportunity for an organization to expand opportunities for public education regarding cultural resources in the GSENM area. BLM would like to work cooperatively with an organization to assist in carrying out the partnerâ¿¿s mission, and assist GSENM with a variety of cultural resource efforts that will benefit the partner and ultimately the general public. These activities may include archaeological inventory, analysis, and reporting, as well as the collection and processing of oral histories, public educational and interpretive presentations and programs, preparation of archaeological/historical publications, site stabilization, and other related tasks designed to facilitate the partnerâ¿¿s mission and increase public awareness and appreciation of GSENM resources. The result will be a much better understanding of the resources and their current condition, allow for better development of management practices designed to protect at-risk resources and provide information for public interpretation and educational experiences. Public Benefit: The results of the above tasks would result in the continued collection of oral histories in the GSENM area, the production of a detailed ranching and grazing history, and related tasks that further GSENM and consequently public understanding of historic resources. This history would be a unique example of BLM/public interaction, and has the enthusiastic support of the GSENM area ranching community. Officials from both Kane and Garfield Counties have often remarked about the importance of ranching and livestock grazing in the past and the present and are now looking forward. This history would provide a detailed footing from which to view the past and plan for the future. The ranching history would be made available in a variety of formats, including electronic versions and hard-copy version for inclusion in local libraries, other publications, Visitor Center and interpretive center displays, and vocational and professional presentations at various venues.