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catdotjpeg · 10 months

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[Image ID: A large group of people are gathered in protest on a sidewalk. A purple banner reading “Stop Cop City” is centered in the front of the photo. End ID.]

A broad coalition of groups in Atlanta has launched a referendum to give voters a chance to say whether they want the controversial police and fire department training center known as “Cop City” built in a forest south-east of the city.

The effort requires organizers to collect about 70,000 signatures from Atlanta registered voters in 60 days. Then the question of the city canceling its agreement with the Atlanta Police Foundation to build the $90m center can be added to municipal election ballots in November.

The push comes after an estimated thousand people who showed up at City Hall on 5 June proved insufficient to stop Atlanta’s city council from approving about $67m for Cop City. Meanwhile, machines have already begun clear-cutting trees on the project’s 171-acre footprint in South River Forest.

The referendum faces what one organizer called “an atmosphere of repression” – including two activists being charged with felonies last week while putting up fliers, bringing total arrests since December to 50.

The largest group of arrests, on 5 March in a public park in the forest near where the project is planned, was followed by local government closing the park, in effect shutting off tree-sitting protests by “forest defenders” that had gone on for more than a year.

“We’re at the stage where they’ve pushed people out of the forest, they’ve arrested people … they’ve fenced off the forest, they’ve even begun clear-cutting,” said Kamau Franklin, founder of local group Community Movement Builders. “We’re at the stage where the most direct, legal mechanism to stop this project is by referendum.” [...]

...the movement opposing the project has drawn a wide range of people locally, nationally and internationally who oppose police militarization, urban forest destruction amid climate change and environmental racism. Most residents in neighborhoods surrounding the forest are Black.

Most of the organizations driving the referendum are also Black-led, including the regional chapter of Working Families Power, Black Voters Matter and the NAACP. Officials from the Georgia governor, Brian Kemp, down to the mayor have consistently referred to opposition against the center as the work of white “outsiders”.

“That narrative is false,” said Britney Whaley, regional director of Working Families Power. “This has been national, but it’s also been community-grown for a few years now.”

Ashley Dixon, an Atlanta-area organizer, has led canvassing efforts to inform neighborhoods around South River Forest about the center for nearly a year. Her team has spoken to more than a thousand people. About 80% opposed the project once they knew about it, she said.

The only academic poll on the issue to date, from Atlanta’s Emory University, showed slightly more Black respondents opposed the project than supported it, with the opposite being true for whites. Atlanta’s population is 48% Black.

The idea for the referendum came from one that succeeded in stopping a spaceport from being built in coastal Georgia, said Will Harlan, founder of Forest Keeper, a national forest conservation organization. “To me, Cop City is the most important issue in conservation in the south-east,” Harlan said. “A referendum is the smartest, most democratic solution … [and] a way to find resolution and closure.”

Although the 2022 spaceport referendum affected a county of only 55,000 people, similarities between the two controversies point to the role voters can play when other efforts fall short.

In that case, local officials “dug their heels in” and stopped responding to press requests or providing transparent information to the public, said Megan Desrosiers, who led the referendum. In the case of Cop City, the Atlanta Police Foundation has stopped answering press requests for at least a year, and the city of Atlanta was recently discovered to be understating the project’s cost to taxpayers by about $36m.

The project is planned on land the city owns that is located in neighboring DeKalb county. Because of Atlanta’s ownership, only Atlanta voters can participate in the referendum. [...]

Organizers of the Cop City referendum pointed to the state’s heavy-handed approach to protesters as a primary concern. There have been 42 domestic terrorism charges to date. A bail and legal defense fund’s members were also arrested and the state added fundraising to its criminal description of the training center’s opposition.

In that context, it took about a dozen attempts at finding a legally required fiscal sponsor for the referendum, which may need as much as $3.5m to reach success, said spokesperson Paul Glaze.

Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter – one of two organizations that agreed to take the sponsorship role – said the recent Atlanta Solidarity Fund arrests were done “to send a message, in hopes it would have a chilling effect. We’re not naive about what the threats are – but we believe our community cares about this issue.”

-- From “Activists push for referendum to put ‘Cop City’ on ballot in Atlanta” by Timothy Pratt for The Guardian, 16 Jun 2023

#atlanta #usa #stop cop city #state violence #police

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mandowifey · 1 year

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The Start of Something.

Chapter 1. || Chapter 2

Ellison Oswalt can't remember the last time he had a break this big. A cult survivor who made national news, a secluded compound quartered off from the public eye, an entire town of folks gone over night. This is the opportunity to become the best seller once more, to tell the story of a young woman who survived against the odds.

- + - +

Warnings: Mentions of cult practices, reader is the survivor of extreme trauma as well as sexual assault and ritualistic practices. Reader is afab, and has gone selectively mute as a trauma response. Mentions of blood, traumatic memories, thoughts of anxiety, depression. This is a slow burn, with plot. (It'll be worth it, promise!)

Note: This is an AU, where the events of Sinister did not end with the family dying.

- x - x - x - x - x -

Alaska was on the list of top three locations Tracy wanted to visit, which made it easier convincing the family to uproot despite the recent incident. Sitka was a small town located in the middle of endless forests, mountains and icy lakes. The people there cultivated most of their own food and livestock. Those who were able bodied enough to handle the work manned small fishing vessels during season and that was how they survived long winters. It was a difficult place to grow old, and that was when you weren't a tourist.

"Trevor, Ashley come here for a second."

Ellison came jogging around the moving van, which to everyone's surprise had stayed in tact since renting it nearly 200 miles ago. Wearing his signature cardigan, he leaned and placed a box down on the edge of the truck before looking at his children. So much had changed since Chatford. Ashley didn't smile much, though the cocktail of therapy, child psychiatrists and medications were mostly to blame. Trevor had become much more withdrawn, and Tracy, she said it hadn't been his fault but the way she looked at him spoke otherwise.

He smiles. "I know I already gave you both a pep talk about moving here, but you gotta remember not to wander around anywhere without an adult. There's-"

His pointed gaze fell upon the full sized bed in the corner. It seems Tracy remembered to tell the movers to put it there. Things were different now, and that included their marriage. The only reason they had not finalized the divorce was to keep their children from dealing with any other sort of stress on top of what had already happened. Part of him hoped that this new book would be his gateway into repairing his marriage and family.

"Bears, wolves, and other bad things." Both children said unanimously.

Ellison pushes his lips together, softening his brows. He had not realized how many times he'd given them the 'safety talk'. Satisfied that the children understood, he waved them off and grabbed his box before walking inside. Their home was an older model, a mix of vintage and modern. Some of the wood that came with the original structure had been restored, but the rest had been left untouched. It was not as glamorous as their previous residences but it was the only place they could afford with their strict budget. Stepping around the corridor into his office, he places the box down on the desk and glances.

With a heavy sigh, Ellison walked out of his domicile and resumed bringing in boxes.

---

You were running.

His scream followed you over fallen trees, through the leaves and streams. Dogs barking, their hot breath at your legs. Your lungs were filled with ice, aching with each sharp breath you took. Everything inside you was tired, but giving up meant going back, and you would rather die.

It felt like you might, as you broke through the tree line and the lush woods became a narrow cliff face, nearly 60 feet above white capped rapids. Jumping would certainly result in death, but so would allowing yourself to be caught. Your heart slammed in your ears as rushing winds made you wobble and catch yourself near the edge. You look below, before your eyes drift back to the trees. Four men ran out, two holding foaming dogs on leashes, and two holding torches. Their black and red ceremonial robes ruffling in the wind.

"Y/N," A man with short platinum blonde hair and piercing blue eyes emerged from the middle of them. His prominent cheek bones making him appear much more ghastly in the low light of the setting sun. The robes he wore mirrored that of a christian reverend. Though instead of white or gold accents, they were red.

"Stay away from me, Joseph." Your voice hardly audible over the wind.

His lips pressed into a thin line and he frowned as he looked at you. Joseph was so clearly disappointed, the look in his eyes made you think he might've almost felt bad. But you knew better. He takes another step towards you, causing you to inch closer to the edge, making him stop.

"Don't you think this is a little bit of an overreaction, hmm?" He rumbles. "Come on darling, what are you going to do, jump? That fall alone is nearly 60 feet. It'd kill you on impact-"

Your bare feet touch the edge of the cold stone, your eyes on fire as you look at him.

"-Y/N, my dark goddess, please, seek reason, move from the edge and come with me. I promise you will not receive punishment for your disobedience. Just, step away..." Joseph extends his hand towards you, fingers uncurling as his lips twisted into a smile that never quite reached his eyes. In that moment, you knew what had to be done.

His guttural scream echoed as you let yourself fall.

Waking with a gasp, you sat upright in bed and gripped your chest, face and head to check over each inch and ensure everything was still together. Satisfied your body had not split apart, you look around your room and grab the cellphone perched on the edge of the nightstand. 7:45 AM, the usual. Ever since your escape, the nightmares had been relentless. Exhausted could not even begin to describe it. Sleep seemed like a fantasy instead of a possibility.

You decided it was time to start your day, the likelihood of falling back asleep was low. Making your way out of bed, you began the same routine you had done since your liberation three months ago. Shower, teeth, clothes, breakfast. The autonomy if your decisions was still strange. For nearly an entire year you had that right stripped away from you by Joseph. Now he was gone and you could decide when you ate and what you wore. The sensation was still strange, you couldn’t be sure you would ever get used to it.

As you moved around the tiny home, you heard the sound of church bells and felt a pit forming in your stomach. Saint Gale’s had been kind enough to give you housing in the in-law home on the church grounds. To return their kindness you volunteered at the church when you were able, and occasionally at the food kitchen. It wasn’t much, but it helped with the guilt of being supported. The small home was unlisted, and it helped conceal your identity from the public. Within the first three days of freedom, every news outlet and personality wanted to interview you. Everyone wanted the story of the Sitka Satanist Survivor. After denying each and every one, they had dwindled away to nothing as they realized you had vanished from the public eye.

You reminded yourself it was for the best. What happened with Joseph and that cursed place should die with you alone. Not a single soul would believe what had transpired there, and you were fine with that. The acceptance helped you sleep at night sometimes.

Cleaning your coffee mug, you were lost in thought when a familiar prickle made its way up the back of your neck. Your eyes flicked towards the front door, silent. There was a sound of tires crunching in gravel and a car door closing. You drop the mug in the sink and lunge for the knife block, your fingers curling around the handle of one and unsheathing it as you face the door. No one should know you were there. Holding your breath, you listened as soft footsteps trailed to your front door, where someone knocked gently.

A sick sensation began to pool in your stomach, your lungs aching from the lack of oxygen. Your mind swirled with all the possibilities. What if its Joseph? The police said the entire compound was gone by the time they arrived. Gone, not dead. Gone could mean anything. It could mean they were out there, just waiting for you to get complacent. The voice in your head began to whisper. Take the knife, cut your throat, don’t let them in. Don’t open that door. Cut your throat cut your throat cut-

“Hello, my name is Ellison Oswalt, I’m here to talk to Y/N.”

The thoughts abruptly stopped. Your eyes flick to the cornered bookshelf in the living room. Resting on the middle shelf, an old copy of Kentucky Blood. Another writer, someone hoping to capitalize on your experience. Your grip on the knife loosens just enough to alleviate the pain in your fingers. The man being there didn’t anger you, however you were pressed to find out how he found you. Walking to the door, you unlock the bottom lock but leave the chain lock connected. You open it just enough to look out and see him. Standing in his cardigan, he had a satchel over his shoulder and a soft smile on his face. Paranoid, your eyes skim the space behind him, searching for others.

Ellison picked up on your concern. “I’m alone.” He promises. “I’m good friends with the man who runs the church, Gary? I had to search a little to figure out where they moved you to but it’s not public. I hadn’t told anyone either.” He assures, his cerulean eyes catching the morning rays. You stare at him, frustrated that Reverend Morrison would tell anyone where you were.

Since you had not spoke, Ellison continued. “I know you don’t have a great relationship with the media but I want to work with you and tell your story. It’s not every day someone goes through what you did. This is a chance to inspire others, maybe be an awakening for folks. You deserve to be heard.” His words held a lot of passion, you felt compelled to believe him. With a frown, you reach over to put the knife on the counter before looking at him. Perhaps he was right. Maybe if the world learned of what happened to you, you’d find some peace. You doubted heavily he or the public would believe you, but Ellison had a point. It was time to be heard.

Unlatching the chain, you open the door fully to welcome him inside.

For just a moment, you felt hope.

#ellison oswalt #ellison oswalt headcanons #sinister #sinister movie #ellison oswalt headcanon #ellison oswalt x reader #ellison oswalt x you #ethan hawke #ethan hawke headcannon #ethan hawke headcannons #ethan hawke headcanon #ethan hawke headcanons #x reader #cult #ellison oswalt headcannon #ellison oswalt headcannons

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cactuscounty · 2 months

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media list (05.02.2024 - 25.02.2024)

👂 Listened:

Albums:

the record by boygenius (2023) [4/10, I just couldn't vibe with the album's mood or sound at all.]

Starboy by The Weeknd (2016) [6/10, suffers from the singles being so much better than the rest of the album]

Podcasts:

Tooth & Claw: Down Under - News Stories Featuring Some of Australia's Most Dangerous Critters

Welcome To Night Vale Ep. 50-70B [This took up a lot of my podcast time these past few weeks during work hours, but I definitely need a break...]

Morbid: EP 540 - Anna George and the Murder of George Saxton [I really enjoy historical true crime. I wonder if it's the distance? Or maybe, like with everything else, I prefer to consume things where technology is absent.]

National Park After Dark: EP 201 - The Lava Lake Murders. Deschutes National Forest.

📖 Read:

Articles:

Air Canada must honor refund policy invented by airline’s chatbot by Ashley Belanger from arstechnica

Books:

Luck In The Shadows by Lynn Flewelling [finished! 10/10, I'll definitely do a full review at some point.]

Stalking Darkness by Lynn Flewelling [in progress, second part of the series, still early on.]

Pine by Francine Toon [in progress - quite slow going, this one, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. I don't usually mind if books are slow-burn, but I find the details that makes things slow so asinine...]

📺 Watched:

YouTube:

The Sinister Letters That Terrorized A Small Town • Mystery Files from Watcher

Why Is It So Hard to Tell the Sex of a Dinosaur? from PBS Eons

#booklr #podcasts #✎#list.#this is a distracted by a fandom list

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rabbitcruiser · 1 year

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Hwy 128 Colorado River Scenic Byway, UT (No. 12)

Traveling 34 miles (55 km) west of Dinosaur, Colorado, the Dinosaur Diamond encounters the small city of Vernal, Utah. Vernal borders the western end of the Dinosaur National Monument; other notable attractions nearby include Steinaker State Park, Red Fleet State Park, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, and the Ashley National Forest.

Continuing along the Dinosaur Diamond, US 40 and US 191 converge within Vernal, heading west for 30 miles (48 km) to the city of Roosevelt. Roosevelt is located on the edge of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. Heading 29 miles (47 km) to the west is the county seat of Duchesne, located within the reservation. Nearby Duchesne are Starvation State Park and Kings Peak (the highest point in Utah), which is part of the Uinta Mountain range. The Uinta Mountains are one of the few mountain ranges in the contiguous United States which run east–west, and are the highest range to do so.

Within Duchesne, US 40 and US 191 diverge, and the DD continues 55 miles (89 km) south along US 191 over an unnamed mountain pass, through the small town of Helper, and into the larger city of Price. The numerous attractions surrounding Price include College of Eastern Utah Prehistoric Museum, Manti-La Sal National Forest, Huntington Lake State Park, Scofield State Park, and Ninemile Canyon which features numerous petroglyphs. Also nearby is the Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry, a prehistoric mud trap which claims to be the densest concentration of Jurassic dinosaur fossils in the world.

Traveling 63 miles (101 km) southeast along US 191, the DD encounters the city of Green River. Notable features surrounding Green River include the San Rafael Swell, Green River State Park, and Goblin Valley State Park. Also nearby is Crystal Geyser, a rare (but man-made) cold water geyser caused by the expansion of carbonized "soda pop" water within. Within Green River, US 191 converges with I-70 for a short while and diverges again, south towards the city of Moab, 55 miles (89 km) from Green River.

Just south of the junction of US 191 and SR-128, the city of Moab features a number of nearby attractions. Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and the Newspaper Rock and Potash Road petroglyphs.

Leaving Moab, the DD continues north along SR-128 to its terminus with I-70 in Cisco. Traveling east along I-70, before completing the "diamond" back in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Source: Wikipedia

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valhikes · 1 year

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Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Utah

Last day backpacking the High Uintas Wilderness. Visited a few more lakes, then swapped the lakes for the Duchesne River. Dropped a while along the East Fork, then climbed again along the North Fork. There's a few more lakes to visit before returning to the trailhead at Hayden Pass.

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pcttrailsidereader · 2 years

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A Wildfire Year

After a relatively quiet June, on July 7th the outbreak of the Washburn Fire in Yosemite may serve as a wake-up call for drought-stricken Central and Southern California. While the Washburn Fire does not threaten the PCT, it has the potential to grow rapidly and flood the region with smoke. It did double in size to some 2,400 acres over the past weekend.

Photos from the Washburn Fire

This story is from the New York Times June 20, 2022 by Ashley Wu and Andrew Cullen.

The American West is burning more quickly than it has in a decade. New Mexico has been fighting its two biggest wildfires on record for more than a month. About 3 million acres of U.S. land — almost the size of Connecticut — have already burned this year. And with summer starting tomorrow and a widespread heat wave already in place, the burning is likely to get worse.

The changing climate has created a troubling reality, ecologists and foresters said: Wildfire seasons have turned into wildfire years, starting earlier in the spring and sometimes lasting well into the following winter.

These fires have also gotten more severe. California experienced two of its largest in the past two years: The Dixie Fire in 2021 burned almost a million acres, and the August Complex fire in 2020 surpassed a million acres.

More frequent and intense fires are dangerous. They emit smoke that can damage the lungs of people who live hundreds or even thousands of miles away. They burn through homes, crops and even centuries-old cultures, causing tens of billions of dollars in economic damage.

Today’s newsletter will explain why these large blazes have become so prevalent and what experts think it will take to reverse the trend.

How we got here

Wildfires have burned the West for thousands of years, but they’ve become far more hazardous because of human activity.

People cause the vast majority of wildfires (about 96 percent so far this year), and people have also gone to great lengths to fight them, only to set the table for more fires. Paul Hessburg, an ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service, explained that the nation’s well-intentioned strategy of suppressing fires over the past century has created an unnatural buildup of materials that act as kindling for wildfires: twigs, grasses, shrubs, trees, even houses.

Fires early in the year have become increasingly common as the American West has dried out and temperatures have risen. Winters are warmer, providing less relief from heat.

On mountaintops, winter snow, which can slow down wildfires by adding moisture to forest wood, has begun to melt earlier in the spring and more quickly. High winds have further dried out kindling and sped up wildfire movement.

The years of warming, droughts and high winds in the West have worked in tandem with forest fuel buildup, Hessburg said, to “set the dining room table for the situation we have right now.”

What's Being Done

Removing a wildfire’s fuel source ahead of time is the main way to prevent or reduce its impact, experts said. One option is to manually thin forests with saws, rakes and bulldozers. Another is prescribed fires, which are intentionally set to consume dead brush and small trees at a much lower intensity.

These two methods can also be combined, but both take planning and technical know-how. Manual thinning can be slow and laborious. Prescribed burnings must happen under the right weather and fuel conditions (made rarer by climate change) to limit the risk of an out-of-control burn.

And there are challenges with public trust. Local residents who fear smoke-filled air have fought more prescribed burning. And occasionally, as happened in New Mexico this spring, erratic winds can propel a prescribed fire beyond firefighters’ control.

Experts agree that wildfire management should be far more proactive. They offer a number of ideas: easing restrictions on prescribed burnings, increasing prescribed burnings or even letting wildfires burn for a while when they’re not threatening lives or livelihoods.

The experts acknowledge that their suggestions would have to overcome residents’ fears and political challenges. But they warn that if nothing is done and landscapes full of trees, leaves and brush go untreated, wildfires will only get worse.

#Fire Season #Drought #Climate Change

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ageofpiracyrp · 2 years

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Grau Kal Zhet

Pronouns: UTP

Role: Therapist

Age: 29-35, UTP

Romantic and/or Sexual Preference: UTP

Species: Laykul

Home Planet: Molfaun

Length of time on Prosperity: Since September 2022

Supervisor: Typically the surgeon, but the position is vacant. Currently the Quartermaster.

Faceclaim/Humanoid Appearance: Raymond Ablack

Alternate FC Accepted?: Yes, faceclaim must be of South Asian descent. Some great suggestions are Naomi Scott, Dev Patel, Simone Ashley, and Rahul Kohli.

True Appearance:

Grau stands 4′11.5″ with thoughtful amber eyes. The Laykul’s body is covered in dense, largely forest green fur. Any other details are UTP

Facts:

Grau grew up in the nation of Soulf on the planet of Molfaun. In recent decades, Soulf has established itself as the dominant empire on a planet of competing empires. The propagandist education that Grau and the other natives and colonies of Soulf received never sat right with Grau.

Increased exposure to media and news from other planets within the last few years solidified Grau’s distaste for imperialism and colonialism. An opening on Prosperity for a therapist seemed like just the chance the Laykul needed to get off this stifling planet.

The bonds that Grau has already begun to make with others, including fellow new crew member Dennis, have already felt worthwhile. Grau has never felt so surrounded by people that understand and care in the same way.

The opportunities to travel, try new foods (Grau is quite food motivated), and get access to more media of the Muppets (Grau’s Earth media favorites since childhood) are all very exciting.

Yes, Laykul are on average quite short compared to many of the other species in the galaxy. No, Grau is not insecure about being short whatsoever! This is an asset to getting into tight spaces.

Connections:

Stella Sarasvati: Sometimes Grau and Stella enthusiastically info-dump weird facts to each other.

Ali Izan: After learning Grau was a qualified therapist, Ali told Grau about the job opportunity. Grau is eternally grateful.

Taylor Vusbrun: Grau said that they were besties, and Taylor didn’t feel like disagreeing.

Dennis Plonc: Dennis and Grau made friends on Molfaun shortly before they both decided to join Prosperity’s crew. They mutually have decided that they are gym buddies. Nominally, Taylor is Dennis’ bestie, but Dennis spends a lot more time and seems to have more in common with Grau. Is Grau jealous? It’s unclear.

#raymond ablack fc #original rp #rpg #rp #roleplay #open #therapist #character: grau kal zhet #laykul

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kp777 · 2 years

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by Sammy Herdman

MongaBay

3 October 2022

The Uinta Basin is home to a diverse set of creatures from endangered black-footed ferrets to plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, such as the Uinta Basin hookless cactus and Graham’s beardtongue.

But the basin also sits atop pockets of crude oil and natural gas, which are being extracted: to transport these fossil fuels to the Gulf Coast, local governments and oil companies are planning to invest up to $4.5 billion to construct a new railway through it.

Although the project has been approved, construction hasn’t begun and it’s not too late for U.S. President Biden to keep his climate pledges and stop the new railway, a new op-ed argues.

This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily of Mongabay.

The Uinta Basin, named after the Ute Tribe, is located in Northeast Utah and Western Colorado, about 200 miles from Salt Lake City. Streams from the Uinta mountains roll through the basin into a tributary of the Colorado River – supplying 40 million people with water throughout the drought-ridden West. Plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, such as the Uinta Basin hookless cactus and Graham’s beardtongue, flourish in the Uinta Basin. The ecosystem also harbors endangered species such as the sage grouse and black-footed ferret.

By all accounts, the Uinta Basin is a beautiful ecological haven. Unfortunately, however, it sits atop pockets of crude oil and natural gas, which are being extracted. To transport crude oil to the Gulf Coast where it will be refined, local governments and oil companies are planning to invest $1.5 to $4.5 billion to construct a new railway through the basin.

The Uinta Basin Railway is a proposed 88-mile stretch of train tracks that will blast through mountains, reroute 443 streams, bulldoze through endangered sage grouse habitat, appropriate private property and even fragment a roadless area in the Ashley National Forest. According to the U.S. Forest Service Chief, “a railway does not constitute a road.” The railway is projected to quadruple the region’s oil extraction from 85,000 up to 350,000 barrels of oil per day – resulting in an increase in air pollution, noise pollution, habitat degradation and a greater risk of water pollution, train derailments and wildfires. The region already suffers from chronic air pollution, falling below federal standards for ozone pollution set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

By quadrupling fossil fuel extraction in the Uinta Basin, construction of the railway is projected to increase U.S. carbon emissions by 1%. Escalating climate change will bring more wildfires and more drought to the region – at a time when the Biden administration should be actively trying to reduce carbon emissions to prevent further climate change-fueled catastrophes.

Uinta Basin is freckled with small cities and towns such as Vernal, Duchesne and Jensen. The region’s economic history can be summarized as a series of boom and bust cycles due to its reliance on fossil fuels. The whims of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the fluctuations of oil prices determine the quality of life for many people in the Uinta Basin. These fluctuations often send communities into periods of growth and stretches of economic depression that threaten small business and family security.

Proponents of the Uinta Basin Railway claim that its construction will diversify the economy of the region by connecting it to the global market. However, there is little evidence that the railway will be used to transport anything but oil to or from the region, especially because at least 130,000 barrels of oil per day will have to be transported to recoup the cost of construction. This will only cause harm and exacerbate boom and bust cycles.

#uinta basin railway #fossil fuels #climate change #environment

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springhillsuite · 14 days

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Flaming Gorge: The Ultimate Destination for Water Activities in Vernal

When it comes to exploring the great outdoors, few destinations can rival the breathtaking beauty and endless recreational opportunities offered by Flaming Gorge in Vernal, Utah. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of the Uinta Mountains and the Ashley National Forest, Flaming Gorge is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. With its pristine waters, rugged canyons, and abundant wildlife, it's no wonder that Flaming Gorge is hailed as one of the best spots for water activities in Vernal.

Things To Do in Flaming Gorge

Flaming Gorge is renowned for its expansive reservoir, which stretches across the border between Utah and Wyoming. The reservoir, formed by the impoundment of the Green River by the Flaming Gorge Dam, spans over 90 miles in length and boasts over 375 miles of shoreline. With its crystal-clear waters and stunning red sandstone cliffs rising dramatically from the shoreline, Flaming Gorge offers a picturesque backdrop for a wide range of water activities.

Thrilling Adventures

For adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers, Flaming Gorge is the perfect playground. The reservoir's calm waters are ideal for boating, water skiing, and wakeboarding, while its numerous coves and inlets provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Anglers flock to Flaming Gorge in search of trophy-sized trout, including rainbow, brown, and lake trout, making it a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, the reservoir is a popular spot for scuba diving, offering divers the chance to explore underwater caves, rock formations, and submerged relics.

Spectacular Scenery

Beyond its recreational offerings, Flaming Gorge is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can embark on scenic boat tours or kayak excursions to marvel at the towering cliffs, lush forests, and hidden waterfalls that line the reservoir's shores. Hiking and biking trails wind their way through the surrounding wilderness, providing opportunities to encounter wildlife such as bighorn sheep, deer, and bald eagles. Sunset viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of the gorge bathed in golden light, making for unforgettable photo opportunities.

Family-Friendly Fun

Flaming Gorge caters to visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for families. The reservoir's calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and splashing, while designated swimming beaches provide safe and enjoyable experiences for children. Campgrounds and picnic areas dot the shoreline, offering opportunities for families to relax, barbecue, and roast marshmallows under the stars. Ranger-led programs and interpretive centers provide educational opportunities for youngsters to learn about the area's rich history, geology, and ecology.

Which Are The Best Affordable Hotels in Vernal?

Springhill Suites Vernal is one of the nice hotels near me, offering an inviting haven for bvgf travelers seeking affordability and adventure. Situated near Flaming Gorge, this hotel provides comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay after thrilling outdoor escapades. Guests can start their day with a complimentary breakfast before embarking on adventures like rafting down the Green River or exploring the nearby Dinosaur National Monument. With its convenient location and budget-friendly rates, Springhill Suites Vernal is the perfect base camp for adventurers looking to immerse themselves in Vernal's natural wonders without compromising on comfort or cost.

When considering affordable hotels in Vernal with easy access to adventure, TownePlace Suites, Vernal stands out for its convenient amenities and proximity to outdoor attractions. Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of northeastern Utah, TownePlace Suites offers spacious suites, perfect for families or extended stays. Its strategic location places guests within reach of Flaming Gorge and its myriad of recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to boating and wildlife spotting. After a day of exploration, unwind in the hotel's outdoor pool or grill area, enhancing the adventure-filled experience without breaking the bank.

Planning Your Visit

If you're planning a trip to Flaming Gorge, there are several things to keep in mind. Be sure to check the weather forecast and water conditions before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly on the reservoir. Bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks, as services may be limited in remote areas. And don't forget your camera – you'll want to capture every moment of your unforgettable Flaming Gorge adventure.

#best hotels in utah #hotels in vernal utah #utah hotels #hotels in utah #things to do in vernal utah

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towneplacesuitesvernal · 2 months

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Embrace Summer Adventure: Book Your Stay at TownePlace Suites Vernal

"Ready for a summer adventure? Choose Vernal as your destination and book your stay at TownePlace Suites! Located in the heart of Vernal, our hotel offers the perfect home base for exploring the wonders of summer in Utah. Whether you're hiking in Dinosaur National Monument, exploring Flaming Gorge, or discovering the beauty of Ashley National Forest, TownePlace Suites is one of the best hotels in Utah. This hotel provides comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities for your summer getaway. With spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and a pet-friendly policy, we ensure a relaxing stay for every adventurer. Book now and make the most of your summer in Vernal!

Plan your summer adventure in Vernal and book your stay at TownePlace Suites today!

#best hotels in Utah

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xtruss · 5 months

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Plants and Fungi – Ghost Mushrooms! A group of ghost mushrooms, Omphalotus nidiformis, which grow and then disappear quickly, on warm nights after a few rainy days in Coastal Forests, Gerroa, NSW, Australia 🇦🇺. Photograph: Ashley Sykes/TNC Photo Contest 2023

People and Nature – Wildebeest Breakfast Balloon Safari! A small troupe of wild blue wildebeest (Connochaetes Taurinus) watch from a safe distance as a hot air balloon lands and spills out its safari tourists in Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya. 🇰🇪. Photograph: Michael Hegyi/TNC Photo Contest 2023

Plants and Fungi – Lunático! El Cardón, venerated by the inhabitants of the Native Towns of North-West Argentina 🇦🇷. Photograph: Jose Pereyra Lucena/TNC Photo Contest 2023

Lands – Sound and Vision! Two seasons collide in Alaska, USA 🇺🇸, with an impressive display of autumn colours in the forest being blanketed by the first snow of winter. Photograph: Alessandro Carboni/TNC Photo Contest 2023

Underwater life – Parting the Tide! A grey reef shark parts a bait ball in the shallows of the Ningaloo Reef, Western 🇦🇺. This photo was taken inside the bait ball, as a shark burst out, hunting its next mouthful of fish. Photograph: Daniel Nicholson/TNC Photo Contest 2023

Paris, France 🇫🇷! Thousands gather in front of the Palais Garnier opera house as dancers from across Europe perform Chiroptera. The facade of the opera house was transformed into a philosophical allegory of Plato’s cave as part of a new project by the French Artist JR. Photograph: Kiran Ridley/Getty Images

#Miscellaneous Photos #Around the Globe 🌎

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rvtravellife · 5 months

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#campgrounds #camping #nationalparks #provincialparks #stateparks

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thisoldcampsite · 5 months

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#campgrounds #camping #nationalparks #provincialparks #stateparks

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 7 months

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Wyoming and Utah Borderlands

An astronaut aboard the International Space Station took this photo of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, which straddles the Wyoming-Utah border. Snow blankets the mountains and high plains, highlighting the geology and landforms of the region.

The national recreation area has a variety of natural features, such as Ashley National Forest, the Flaming Gorge Reservoir, a portion of the Green River, and a national recreation trail. The landscape varies from high-desert plains to alpine lakes.

The Green River was partially frozen (top-left) when this photograph was taken in December 2022. The river is a major tributary of the Colorado River and feeds the Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Mountain ridges and passes, known as The Reaves and The Glades, were carved by the river’s meandering path.

The northern part of the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area consists of The Glades, Goslin Mountain, and Little Mountain in Wyoming. Just across the border in Utah, the southern part of the recreation area consists of The Reaves, Bear Mountain, and the Uinta Mountains. The ecologically diverse lands support various animals like bald eagles, black bear, and lake trout.

Astronaut photograph ISS068-E-33725 was acquired on December 11, 2022, with a Nikon D5 digital camera using a focal length of 140 millimeters. It is provided by the ISS Crew Earth Observations Facility and the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, Johnson Space Center. The image was taken by a member of the Expedition 68 crew. The image has been cropped and enhanced to improve contrast, and lens artifacts have been removed. The International Space Station Program supports the laboratory as part of the ISS National Lab to help astronauts take pictures of Earth that will be of the greatest value to scientists and the public, and to make those images freely available on the Internet. Additional images taken by astronauts and cosmonauts can be viewed at the NASA/JSC Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth. Caption by Francesca Filippone, Texas State University, JETS Contract at NASA-JSC.

#science #space #news #nasa #earth observatory

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