Letters to the Editor for May 20, 2009

Impressed by students’ letters

Among all the discouraging news — the economy, newspapers tanking — there has been one source of uplifting news: the letters to the editor written by Baker High School students. Their support for the high school club GSA, their understanding of the need for such a group to promote understanding and support for others, their skills in expressing their views have been a source of welcome uplifting news.

I like their attitude, I enjoy their writing skills. They are a contrast to some of the letters from community members (not all of them — Mary Sue Rightmire’s was a hopeful indicator that not all community members agree with Mrs. Opperman).

References to teachers and staff give me more reason for optimism. The students who express themselves well benefit from effective teaching and supervision.      

Maryalys Urey

Baker City

I work with, not against, the BLM

May 14 you wrote that you don’t believe ranchers and their allies have anything to gain by making harsh statements when they don’t present facts to back up the claims. I agree. But you should follow your own advice rather than write an inflammatory and totally fictitious account of my comments at the BLM meeting.

I did not accuse BLM of making cursory examinations of the range that exaggerates the effect livestock are having. I did not accuse the BLM officials of making “guesses” at the meeting. It would be highly uncharacteristic of me to choose a public meeting to have such a discussion. The Baker District BLM keeps their door open to discuss range management and science-based management with knowledgeable people at appropriate times. It would serve no purpose to vent with accusatory remarks at the expense of others during a public meeting.

BLM held an informative meeting with excellent presentations regarding the environmental assessment process. They discussed pertinent topics and answered every question. The ranchers learned when and how they could provide input and include information about the allotment histories to help separate effects of grazing from other impacts. The BLM and ranchers cooperate and coordinate livestock grazing and each must scrutinize the scientific basis of grazing decisions to ensure achievement of the management objectives according to the law.

In an unsolicited phone conversation I spoke to one of your reporters who forget to mention he was fishing for a sensational story and wasn’t interested in a mundane discussion about the National Environmental Policy Act or planning process. Your editorial was off-base regarding advice to ranchers and their consultants in scrutinizing BLM’s work.

I recognize the author of that piece had a deadline and was not at the meeting, but there is no excuse to fabricate a story and especially egregious is the use of my name. I am very offended and insist that you correct your mistake.      

Pat Larson

La Grande

Editor’s Note: The Baker City Herald editorial of May 14 mistakenly stated that Larson made comments during a public meeting with the BLM. The comments by Larson cited in the editorial were made during an interview with a Herald reporter.

Pat Larson does impeccable work

This letter is in regards to the May 14 editorial. I agree that grazing cattle on public lands is essential to many of the ranchers in the Northwest. Yes, ranchers do get very nervous when we think our grazing privileges are in jeopardy. Remember, we’re talking about our livelihood.

I did not feel that Pat Larson, a range consultant from La Grande, was antagonistic when she asked questions during a public BLM meeting recently. I do think Pat was very helpful in helping us understand what part we could play in the environmental assessment process. In the many meetings I’ve been to that Pat Larson also attended she was always professional and respectful.

Pat has worked on our Forest Service and BLM allotments for three years now. She has worked very hard to resolve problems with the rancher and the rangeland specialists. More importantly, she strives to help us meet the range standards set by these government agencies.

I suggest your reporter spend a few hours in the field with Pat to get an understanding of what she does. As a range consultant she does her work with tremendous accuracy through gathering scientific data. Pat is extremely thorough and doesn’t leave one stone unturned. Her work is impeccable. I have the highest respect for her.

Thank you, Pat, for the excellent work you do for all of us.      

Mike Hutton

Baker County rancher