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10/8/04 CLM Staff Attend Community Meeting
CLM Site Manager Ruth Harper and sign painter _______ (add, sorry) both
attended a community meeting at the Hummingbird Family Resource Center, called
as an opportunity to "share information, strategies, quell rumors,
etc." They stated that they still have no further information on rates,
regulations and policies, but have only been there one week. They are instructed
to pass on all feedback to the decision makers. They shared some information
about their own experience with CLM, describing it as a small hardworking
corporation field-staffed by low-paid but dedicated RVers. In Tecopa, they have
focused on cleaning and evaluating so far, and all agreed that the place already
looks much better.
They also stated that they had not been told how controversial CLM's presence
was or much about the Treaty. They expressed surprise at the number of long-term campers who have already
closed their PO boxes, and at the community's level of concern about the Hot
Springs.
Local year-round and seasonal residents shared a range of points of view,
personal histories, and suggestions, and all opposed CLM's contract. All
thanked the CLM staff for attending the discussion, and for their hard work at the Park.
Ongoing community efforts by groups or individuals include:
- Gathering signatures for a county ballot initiative overturning the CLM
contract;
- Organizing a large All Hallows Eve/All Saints Day Overnight Gathering at the
bathhouses;
- Collecting stories for a book of shared Hot Springs memories;
- Personally or collectively boycotting fees for the Hot Springs;
- Investigating a federal lawsuit based on Native Freedom of Religion Act;
- Staging a protest event on November 4 when fees go into effect;
- Independently monitoring water quality due to increased bromine use and
exploring options for protecting wetlands.
The meeting was closed with the hope that everyone could personally weather
whatever the future brings, and maintain respect and cordiality in behavior
toward one another while following individual consciences.
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