atv.jpgA ChannelBV reader submitted this Washington Post article as an interesting comment about the rise of unpleasant interactions out on the trail.

“Federal officials charged with administering public lands say confrontations that erupt into violence on crowded trails in the West remain rare, but they warn that resentful frictions are rising. The region is the fastest-growing in the United States, driven largely by residents’ desire to live near scenic public lands that, on weekends near urban areas, can be downright crowded.”

I think it is important to remember as our area grows in population that the important lesson to take from this is mutual respect. Each focus group must respect the other’s in their ventures and their needs for places to do it. That way each side can start from a place of informed understanding of the other side and therefore work towards a harmonious resolution.

Two weeks ago, US Senator, Ken Salazar made an appearance in the community room at Sangre De Cristo in Buena Vista. The issue, the creation of a wilderness area for Brown’s Canyon. I was amazed by the amount of people that actually showed up both for and against the measure. Whether their issue was economically driven, access driven, based on the history of the area, or feeling a sense of inequality about the amount and or nature of land dedicated to different groups, people in the room were in general, very respectful. While there were a few times that an individual would speak over someone else, with Senator Salazar’s gentle yet strong guidance, most people were heard respectfully by all.

It seemed still to me, though, while most were heard, not many were actually listened to. Isn’t that the deepest meaning of respect? To truly drop your own perceptions and LISTEN to what someone else is saying/feeling?

Hmmmm….we may still have some work to do.

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