Both Sides Want to Recapture Recapture Canyon

   They rode into a place called Recapture Canyon as if to say, "We're taking it back. We're recapturing Recapture Canyon." Almost seven years had passed since the Bureau of Land Management had closed the trail after two men were fined $35,000 for what the BLM considered damage to sacred ancient Indian sites.
   Now, did they damage an archaeological site, again? "Ancient artifacts and dwellings may have been damaged by the riders," Utah BLM director Juan Palma reported.
   Ahh, but all they wanted to do was ride for freedom. Like Paul Revere, theirs was a ride carrying a message against the existing government. Some rode their ATVs just on trails open to the public. Others, including the family of Ryan Bundy, reportedly rode right into the heart of Indian artifacts. This Ryan Bundy is the son of Cliven Bundy, who made so much noise against the BLM in recent weeks, bringing in militia members to help him stand against the government when the BLM had taken his cattle to pay for grazing fees he refused to pay.
   This land is my land, Cliven Bundy had said. And so echoed the refrain in Recapture Canyon, where militia members from the Bundy saga joined to ride again.
   They broke the law, defiantly, and the sheriff's officers just looked on, not arresting a soul. That would be the duty of the BLM, to arrest people, said San Juan Sheriff Rick Eldridge. The BLM folks made the law, so let them enforce it. As if sheriff's officers get to pick and choose which laws they enforce, and which they throw back at the governing bodies making the rules, telling them to enforce their own laws.
   BLM officers noted they were there, though, witnessing and taking names. And, charges will come. Scot-free might have happened in Bunkerville, Nevada, when Cliven Bundy got his cattle returned. But, it may not happen this time, not in Recapture Canyon.
   My take on the Daytime Ride of Phil Lyman (he organized the ATV ride in Recapture Canyon)? Not sure.  I wish I knew what each of the Indian sites were and what they were valued for. I'm told the ATV trail passes through six nationally significant archaeological sites (including ancient dwelling sites) and three religious sites known as kivas. Tell me more. Does the trail go right thru the dwelling and religious sites, or just right close to them? What kind of damage occurred in 2006 and what kind of damage occurred this time?
   I consider that native Americans regard the ride through these sites as a slap in the face. There are thousands of miles of trails in the Blanding area for the ATVers to use. Thus, there is the argument that there simply is no need for people and their toys to be treading into ancient religious and archaeological sites.
   The native Americans, also, would like to recapture Recapture Canyon, keeping it away from the ATVers, for the Indians had it first.