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August 2009

Nothing is Constant but Change
by Meghan Brown

I had a professor in college who liked to stretch our way of thinking. He always started out each class with a quote. One morning we walked into class and on the board was a quote that forever altered the way I think about change. The quote was “Nothing is constant but change.”

After moving to Nevada I learned that nothing is more true here. Everything from resources, politics, to relationships between organizations, interest groups and individuals are always dynamically changing and are never the same.

Some things shift at a slow glacier type speed that takes generations to shift, while others move at lightning speed, ultimately changing the direction of management, policy and enforcement.

It has been my experience living in several different places that there is always conflict over the same things, just from different perspectives. All conflict, in my opinion, is caused by uncertainty and the unknown. These are the two factors in life that are uncomfortable for most. However, you can look at it from another perspective, the unknown cannot disappoint.

The West is divided by fences, property ownership, and management. We allow these “barriers” to change our values and mindset. Instead of allowing the fences to join us together for the betterment of society and the resources, we allow them to divide us.

One divide that has ebbed and flowed over the years within the state is the relationship between the Nevada Department of Wildlife and Nevada cattlemen. During some periods progress was made and relationships were closer to meeting in the middle, while other periods have been contentious and non-productive. Even though I have only been at Cattlemen’s for a few years I have seen the tides change.

As I was traveling to our Governor’s Trail Ride I got a call from a friend. He said, “Guess what he said?” Knowing that he had just gotten out of the Wildlife Commission meeting, I asked what was talked about. He said, “Guess what Mark Atkinson, Game Chief and Ken Mayor, Director of NDOW said? They said that NDOW will work closely with the livestock industry and public land managers to assist in the process and address the issue of closed allotments to grazing.”

He went on to say, “What progress we have made to get a director of NDOW and the Game Chief to truly recognize the livestock industry in a positive light.” And then we hit one of those wonderful/inconvenient Nevada dead zones.

As I continued to drive, I reflected on the true nature not only of the events that happened at the commission meeting, but what my friend felt at that moment. Not only had progress from our perspective been made, but also validation of so many years of work and persistence had paid off, not only for Nevada ranchers, but for the resources and landscape. I wonder how many times a NDOW director and Game Chief have stood up in a commission meeting and said that cattle have a place on the range.

My next thought is where is this going to truly take the relationship between the two groups, and can we continue to move forward in a positive direction. Will these words in that setting be enough to remove some old resentments and feelings? Will their words be able to build bridges and regain trust? I realize there are things our industry needs to do as well, however steps toward the middle are important.

It is my hope that with better understanding and continued communication that progress will continue. I recognize however that change is still going to occur and I am sure at lightning speed. However, after hearing those words I hope the change is a positive one in a direction that is better not only for the cattle producers in the state, but the sportsmen as well.

As I sit here reflecting on the benefits of relationships, conflict, and solutions I see that no matter what, passionate dedicated individuals always survive and live out their dreams and passions.

 

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