Bargaining For Powder Mountain

Humble reader "Kyle" recently requested that we post Bruce Grandin's December 1, 2009 letter to the Ogden Valley News.

Here is an excerpt of Kyle's email request:

Did anyone see the comment by Bruce Grandin in the "Letters to the Editor" in the latest Ogden Valley News(paper)? He advocates reading a book that talks about the Snowbasin/2002 Olympics development. I think Bruce has an excellent point. Learn from what has happened (in Ogden Valley) in the past, take advantage of the lessons learned, and use the current "fight" to our advantage. I have not read the book but I personally know Bruce (and I suspect many of you do to). He is not an idiot (or a Zealot). He didn't come right out and say it but I'm thinking one of the points of the letter is something along the lines of instead of fighting and name calling (gee, heard this lately), talk, listen and understand each others needs (kinda like relationships eh?). Use cooperation (and mutual respect) to benefit everyone who lives here.


I'm heading to the Huntsville library to see of they have it. Thanks for the opinion Bruce.


Kyle

Thanks for the input Kyle. 

The following is a letter to the editor published in the December 1, 2009 issue of the Ogden Valley News.

Anyone who cares about Ogden Valley should read "Bargaining for Eden" by Stephen Trimble.  It's a fantastic story on how Snowbasin was developed just in time for the 2002 Winter Olympics.

After 12 years of extreme opposition and controversy, the mountain was changed forever.  The Olympics have come and gone.  Skiing in Utah is no longer a secret and the Beehive state was left with the crown jewel of a ski resort.  Earl Holding really did a nice job with the mountain and many people think of Snowbasin as a local treasure.  Only time will tell if it is sustainable.

Now we have another battle going on with Powder Mountain.  Were any lesson(s) learned from Snowbasin?  Steve Trimble sums it up best in the final paragraph of his book.

"We call it a paradise, this land of ours.  We call it home.  Like our nation, the West is in the middle of its arc.  We must remain both vigilant and tender if we wish to preserve its authenticity.  We can do this.  We are not yet too old, too greedy, or too cynical to take wise action together."

Wouldn't it be great if the owners of Powder Mountain, the Weber County Planning Commission, and the local community understood each other's needs and Ogden Valley ended up with another crown jewel?

Please read the book.

Bruce Grandin
Eden

We also believe "Bargaining For Eden" is a fantastic read and tout it in our left column.

What say ye Ogden Valley?

It is your turn to opine. 

Don't Forget - Stephen Trimble Book signing Tonight at Ogden Valley Library

We mentioned this last week, but be sure to visit the Ogden Valley Library at 7 PM on September 10, 2008 to meet Stephen Trimble, Author of "Bargaining For Eden."

UPDATE @ 10 am

Be sure to Read Mr. Trimble's comments by clicking the "Comments" link below.

Renowned Utah Author to Speak At Ogden Valley Library

On September 10th at 7 PM at the Ogden Valley Library in
Huntsville, Stephen Trimble will present his new book, “
Bargaining for Eden: The Fight for the Last Open Spaces
In America.”

The book takes a hard look at the values that shape
developers and land use policy. It also explores the tension
between community and development in the West.

A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Bargaining For Eden

We took our own advice and made the trek to Portland's Powell's Books to purchase Stephen Trimble's new book, "Bargaining For Eden." We even stopped by Jake's for the famous $1.95 burger, Salmon cakes and Tempura Tuna Sushi Roll - all $1.95 each.

We did, however, have to pay top dollar ($29.95) for the book, but you can buy it online with shipping for about $25. You will miss out on an ecclectic city, which has a huge homeless population, complete with hippie children and in your face drug abuse. We do like the city, even though it makes us appreciate Salt Lake's Liberty Park.

Trimble was the guest blogger last week, so be sure to read all of his entries. While we have only previewed the book, our early impressions give it an A+.

Local readers will recognize many of the players, including Haynes Fuller, Shanna Francis, John Posnein, Kent Matthews, Thomas Monson, Dave and Sue Holmstrom, and many, many more.

Buy It - Read It - Share It!

And tell us what you think of it!

We also found it at Amazon for just $19.77

Local Author Stephen Trimble is Guest Blogger At Our Favorite Bookstore This Week

Your humble blogmeister does not have time to be a regular at the neighborhood bookstore, but does spend time in the local Barnes and Noble on occasion. However, the most incredible bookstore in the Western U.S. is certainly Powell Books, of Portland, Ore. In fact, it is almost worth a trip to Portland just to visit this incredible city block filled store. You could spend a day inside this massive store and still return for more the next day, but be sure to hit happy hour at the original McCormick and Schmick's restaurant, Jakes Famous Crawfish. Jakes was established in 1892, and a fabulous Cheeseburger (not a Starburger, but great for the price) will set you back a cool $1.95. The Sashimi is not much more.

Sorry for the mouth watering diversion, but when an author is given the opportunity to be a Powell Books Guest Blogger, then all should take note. We are honored to publish a link this week to the Powell Books Guest Blogger with local ties - Salt Lake City's own Writer, Photographer and Naturalist, Stephen Trimble.

Trimble's latest book, Bargaining For Eden is based on Snowbasin's own Earl Holding, and details Earl's political clout that resulted in an extremely controversial land swap.

Trimble's timing of this release could not be better as our friends at Powderville are trying to force local politicians to roll over and succumb to their ridiculous demands. While Earl is well connected, Powderville's Mark Arnold is certainly no Earl.

Be sure to purchase a copy of Trimble's book and check the Powell Books blog site each day this week for Trimble's Powell Books Blog. While you are there, buy an extra copy and forward to your humble blogmeister.