| Description |
Using qualitative interviews of nine stakeholders living in Kanab, Utah, this study explored the role of environmentalists, government workers, traditional residents and community leaders in navigating conflict around the use of surrounding public lands. Stakeholders attempt to actualize their worldview of the relationship between human beings and the land, largely influenced by cultural values. Newer residents in Kanab feel disenfranchised by efforts on the part of local leaders to protect traditional lifeways of rural residents. Long-time residents view newcomers, environmental groups and the federal government as outsiders exerting undue and ill-informed influence in local affairs. Ineffective efforts to avoid conflict on the part of the Bureau of Land Management have exaggerated existing conflict and incentivized violence as a means of recourse for some residents. The potential for dangerous escalation of conflict is high in the region and efforts to manage conflict are urgently needed. Through participatory learning strategies, partial solutions can emerge using existing common ground, which in Kanab is love of place, as the foundation for fostering trusting community relationships and improved local dialogue. Increased visibility of environmentalists in these communities can reduce their perceived outsider status and legitimize their perspective. |
