Whose home on the range? Environmental conflict resolution in the Southwest 2000
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Ben Daitz
Directed by Ben Diatz
VHS, color, 55 min.
High School - Adult
Economics, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Health Sciences
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Brad Eden, Ph.D., Head, Web and Digitization Services, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las VegasCatron County, New Mexico, has been called the "toughest county in the West," due to its long conflicts between ranchers, loggers, environmentalists, and the U.S. Forest Service over the management of federal land in this area of the country. These struggles have become an economic and a rights issue for the ranchers and loggers, and a conservation and preservation issue for environmentalists and the U.S. government. Often, violence and outright rebellion against conservationists and the U.S. government are advocated and supported in local newspapers and among county residents, who resent the government's intrusion into the county's economic, political, social, and cultural traditions and structures.
In 1993, a new doctor came to Catron County, and found that many residents had health problems related to these conflicts: alcoholism, drug use, domestic violence, and excessive stress-related health issues. As a result, he was successful in beginning dispute resolution and improving communications between the two opposing groups. This video discusses these sessions, and shows how health problems were the catalyst to begin the healing process for a county torn apart by strong opinions and economic catastrophe. By suspending stereotypes and educating one another, the two groups are beginning to effect change and move forward in the economic recovery of their county.