Letter for Yellowstone

Here is my letter to the park and our congressmen:

February 8, 2010

Dear ----- ,

I am writing concerning a great threat to Yellowstone National Park. This great national treasure is in danger of losing a resource as precious as any geyser, waterfall, or canyon, as valuable to America as the wilderness to which this resource holds an unalienable bond. A precious link between Yellowstone and the young people that will be its future, and that of the nation Yellowstone was established to serve, is about to be broken.

My name is Delose Conner; I am the director of Camp Loll, a Boy Scout Camp two miles south of the Yellowstone boarder. Since 1977, I have directed Loll, on and off, for 23 years. I have been its director for the last ten consecutive years. During this time, Camp Loll has developed a close relationship with Yellowstone Park and the Bechler District; sending thousands of hikers to visit Union Falls and Scout Pool [Ouzel Pool], Terrace Falls, and other wonders in the south west corner of the park. Over the years, the campers at Loll have been trained and inspired by the staff of Yellowstone National Park, and have been instructed in wilderness etiquette by the Camp Loll staff and the BSA. They have learned to love, defend, and protect the wilderness treasures they have the privilege to utilize. The relationship between Yellowstone and Loll has enabled thousands to participate in wilderness experiences that have united their understanding of America’s greatness and goodness to its people with an appreciation of nature’s beauty and a reverence for the environment. In a world where so many dangers beset our youth, Loll and Yellowstone have shown them pleasures and given them opportunities to grow and achieve, thus strengthening them against life’s challenges. No drug-induced high can compare to the thrill of swimming in Scout Pool or contemplating the beauty of Union Falls, no lawless act or thrill at the expense of another can bring the delight of success made possible by completing a twenty mile hike through Yellowstone. No gang loyalty compares to the joy of service and the sense of patriotism engendered by experiencing and learning to protect their American birthright in Yellowstone. Thus, they, Yellowstone, and America are made stronger by experiencing the opportunity made possible by the partnership between Yellowstone National Park and Camp Loll BSA.

Last week I received material relating to a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) from Yellowstone’s Concessions Management Division. Certain aspects of this proposal will destroy Camp Loll’s ability to utilize Yellowstone. I was not informed of any notice on the Federal Registry in compliance with the Administrative Procedures Act concerning a Notice of Proposed Rule Making. Nor was I, as a Stake Holder, consulted on the formation of this (CUA). To the contrary, in light of our long and successful partnership with the Park, Camp Loll was given assurances that our program would continue unchanged, indeed be strengthened, by the permitting process.

Please help to rescue this valuable partnership. I am eager to develop a plan that will insure that America’s greatest natural resource, its youth, have the opportunity to learn their responsibilities and enjoy their rights in America’s Greatest Natural Treasure, Yellowstone National Park.

Respectfully Yours

Delose Conner,
Director, Camp Loll BSA

Copies to: Utah Senators Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett and to Utah State Representative Rob Bishop.