A herd of Texas longhorns photographed near Dodge City, Oklahoma, in 1878/Western History Collections, University of Oklahoma
Cattle drives during the latter half of the 19th century were a central thread in the nation's western expansion, as thousands of head of cattle were driven hundreds of miles to grazing lands and market. The grit, ruggedness, danger, and even romance of cattle drives spurred countless Westerns and fascinated television audiences glued to the Lonesome Dove miniseries in 1989.
Yet while the National Park Service says there is wide support for creation of Chisholm and Great Western National Historic Trails, one group that opposes the trails is the U.S. Cattlemen's Association. A key concern of the group is that private properties could be lost to help create these trails.
The potential use of eminent domain in securing land involved with these trails is especially concerning to our membership whose operations subsist off of both public and private lands. USCA firmly believes that no private property rights be acquired for this project without the willing consent of landowners.
The vast acreage represented within the Chisholm Trail and Great Western Trail and stated within the public law authorizing the study, ''¦from the vicinity of San Antonio, Texas ... to Enid, Oklahoma, Caldwell, Kansas, Wichita, Kansas, Abilene, Kansas, and commonly used segments running to alternative Kansas destinations" as well as "The Great Western Trail (also known as the 'Dodge City Trail'), from the vicinity of San Antonio, Texas, north-by-northwest [to] Oklahoma, north through Kansas to Dodge City, and north through Nebraska to Ogallala', is cause for careful scrutiny of any potential designation.
In the end, the group says, "USCA opposes the designation of the Chisholm Trail and Great Western Trail. Protecting private property rights is a priority of USCA and we will continue to advocate on these rights as this issue moves forward toward any potential designation."
The National Park Service in January released a draft feasibility study and environmental assessment on the proposed trails, and then moved into a 60-day public comment period. The agency now is reviewing those comments before publishing a final document.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
Try this link:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=456&projectID=30803&docu...
However, comment period is over...