July, hot dogs on the grill, sweet watermelon juice running down your chin, fireworks and revolutions. Here the cattle are slick and shiny fat. The baby kittens born in the barn are romping through the haystack. Water adequate for irrigation. The fields are still a refreshing green. The fireworks are always a great celebration and there is a revolution going on near you.
There is the green revolution with solar power options, more recycling efforts, bigger local food movements, and conservation plans growing. There is keep Nevada open (but not a wilderness designation) campaign stirring up people in the nearby counties. There is the constant fashion revolution being won and lost in the tasteful department daily. And finally there is the battle in Douglas County to build or not to build. One theory purports only growth is good for the county. The counter theory argues growth cannot go on forever. Sustainability must be the objective.
Being a foot soldier of life on this planet I swing with the green. I raise steaks and hamburgers for summer barbecues. We do it on private land with no public assistance. I also know most ranchers on public range do their best to take care of their allotments, but some don't and they are my competition. I support keeping Nevada open space open, with the wilderness designation that allows all people the best use of open space. It is appealing not to have to defend oneself against OHVs trampling on reservoir dams and across fragile meadows. Miles of sagebrush can be beautiful and seen just as nicely on horseback or foot as on an ATV. And wilderness designation just might keep nuclear waste out of my groundwater.
The battle with fashion sense I have lost. Clothes either fit or don't and what body parts that slip out, over, around or under garments are on display everywhere. These are my body parts I am referring to. I haven't the courage to tattoo myself to disguise my exposed flesh in a colorful jungle scene or a sci-fi fantasy character. It is just plain old skin and will probably stay that way. I don't even have pierced ears. Clip-ons for me, with sensible shoes of course, all the way.
Regarding the county issue of growth or no growth. I am not good with either-or scenarios.
Planning is what is required to have a sustainable community and with all the time, money and energy of many individuals and groups over the last decade we have a plan.
Now stick to the master plan. If overriding circumstances like a major earthquake or massive mud slide from Tahoe requires a massive rebuilding project then have contingency plans for that or variances or waivers. But to completely override the present wishes of most county residents to allow a massive build-out is not in Douglas County's plan that was paid for by the residents and voted on by the people.
Ranching does not cover all the expenses of a lifestyle accustomed to clip-on earrings and sensible shoes. So a few years ago we placed a conservation easement on 100 irrigated acres of private ranch land and then developed 15 home sites on 80 acres of non-irrigated land, for a profit. Conservation and development, a win-win scenario. If someone asks for exceptional development in the county, as a county can we not ask for an exceptional conservation easement? An optional win, win revolution perhaps?
- Marie Johnson is a Carson Valley rancher.
