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Holiday Giving Ideas
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| by James Cowlin
I don't know about you but my email inbox has been inundated with newsletters with pleas to spend money on all kinds of gifts. Many include discounts of one sort or another. It makes me wonder what the real cost of some of these goods is if they can be practically given away. And I have to admit that I have had it in mind to send you a newsletter with a list of great gifts you can buy from the US Route 89 Appreciation Society to put in the stocking of a loved one.
I think I have a better idea, or at least one that doesn't feel icky to me. Here are a few suggestions for things you can do this holiday season that might improve the lives of all the good folks along highway 89.
Coal Hollow Mine, Alton, Utah
 A years or so ago a coal strip mine was opened only ten miles from Bryce Canyon National Park. In order to get the coal to power plants in California, it is trucked along US Route 89 through Hatch and Panguitch. These heavy double-trailer trucks are making the highway unsafe and undesirable to tourists and residents alike. Now Alton Coal Development is proposing to expand the mine onto 3,500 acres of the American people's land managed by the BLM. For complete details on the effects of the strip mine, read these two articles from the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.
Dollars or dust: Alton mine expansion promises dollars, brings fears | Deseret News
McEntee: Southern Utah strip mine threatens a way of life | The Salt Lake Tribune
 | | Bryce Canyon National Park |
If you believe that the expansion of this mine is not in the best interest of the American people, take the time to write a comment for the environmental impact statement. What a wonderful holiday gift it would be for the people who live along US 89 and for the travelers who deserve a safe and enjoyable road trip if the mine expansion is halted.
Click here to download a copy of my letter to the Bureau of Land Management.
Written comments may be submitted by letter to this address, or by email to: UT_Kanab_Altoncoal@blm.gov. Include "Alton Coal Lease Environmental Impact Statement" in the correspondence to Keith Rigtrup, Bureau of Land Management, Kanab Field Office, 319 North 100 East, Kanab, UT 84741
 | | Highway 89 in Panguitch, Utah |
Heritage Areas
This coming year plan to visit a Heritage Area along US 89. By patronizing local businesses that are recognized for their ties to the history, culture and natural attractions of these areas, you will be putting your travel dollars to good use. In exchange your vacation will be richer with authentic experiences that will make for wonderful family memories.
National Heritage Areas are designated by Congress as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscapes. They are a grassroots, community-driven approach to heritage conservation and economic development. There are three such places along US Route 89, one that has been national designated and two that are seeking congressional recognition.
 | | Tumacacori National Historical Park |
In southern Arizona, the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Area weaves together the Native American, Hispanic and Anglo cultures that flourishted along the Santa Cruz River. On the Heritage Alliance website, you will find a wealth of information including an interactive map of heritage experiences to guide your travels along historic US 89 (now I-19 and frontage roads) between Nogales and Tucson.
 | | Artist Studio Tour in Spring City, Utah |
In southern Utah, the 285-mile stretch of highway 89 from the state line to Fairview has been designated as the Mormon Pioneer National Heritage Area. On the MPNHA website you will find details about all of the scenic attractions and numerous towns to visit on your road trip. This area is chuck full of art galleries and artisan studios, heritage lodging, western adventures, historic sites, celebrations, antiques and indigenous foods.
 | | Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway |
The Bear River Heritage Area straddles the Idaho-Utah border where the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountains meet. It is home to the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, a strong agricultural economy, history-laced landscape, and abundant natural beauty. By driving US 89 through this area, you will travel along the Logan Canyon National Scenic Byway, around Bear Lake and through Montpelier, Idaho.
Put one or all of these Heritage Areas on your itinerary for your next driving vacation.
Local First
As the slogan says, "Shift the way you shop." The Local First movement encourages shoppers to patronize locally owned and operated businesses. Studies have shown that for every $100 spent at a local business, $42 stays in the community; only $13 out of $100 stays local when you shop at a national chain. The result is more jobs and less environmental impact. Check out the directories on these websites and consider doing more of your holiday shopping at participating businesses.
Local First Arizona
Local First Utah
Email Newsletters
Finally, here is a gift you can give yourself that won't cost you a dime. Sign up for email newsletters from these two organizations to improve the quality of your life (or at least have a good read once and awhile).
Grist calls itself a beacon in the smog. The website provide independent news about the green movement, always with a sense of humor. Sign up for the weekly newsletter on the Grist website.
GOOD is a collaboration of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits pushing the world forward. Since 2006 they've been making a magazine, videos, and events for people who give a damn. The email newsletter, The Daily Good, brings you one idea for changing the planet at the end of every work day. Sign up on the Good website.
One Last Idea
Consider giving a gift membership to the US Route 89 Appreciation Society to a friend or family member (or to yourself, if you are not already a member). The many benefits of membership are listed below. Just put the name and address of the recipient of your gift in the special instructions box when you check out on Paypal. Thank you.
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