Grass March joins protest parade in Carlin

In the midday heat, dozens of residents met Monday for a protest parade against the Bureau of Land Management. Grant Gerber and his son, Travis, finished the first leg of their “Grass March” in Carlin, where they stopped for rest, a meal and to participate in a police-escorted parade that looped through town. Cliff Eklund, Carlin mayor and county commission candidate, organized the event that began on east Chestnut Street, turned left onto Fourth Street, cut back on Bush Street and then up 10th Street over the freeway to an arena for a brief rodeo. “It should be fun,” Eklund said moments before the parade began. “I’m glad to see so many people show up to support the ranchers. That’s what it’s all about.” For the moment, Gerber’s efforts seem to have helped the ranchers’ plight. “It’s gotten the BLM’s attention,” said Pete Tomera. “They’ve given us a temporary license. We were able to turn our cows out.” The march gained statewide media attention, as well. Over a late breakfast, Eklund spoke with a reporter from the Associated Press via cellphone. The Filippini family brought an ATV with signs that stated “Less Gov’t More Cows” and “Feed cows not fires.” Gerber said in addition to harming the ranching families, the decision to leave the grass on the range would result in severe wildfire when it dries into combustible fuel...more

A Gandhi quote:  “I’m a lover of my own liberty, and so I would do nothing to restrict yours.”