“I take a dim view of dams. I am poorly impressed by concrete aggregates and statistics in the cubic tons. But in this weakness I am not alone. I belong to that ever growing number of Americans who have become aware that fully industrialized, thoroughly urbanized, elegantly computerized social system is not suitable for human habitation.”

Edward (The Monkey Wrench Gang) Abbey’s eloquent words inspired Jim Stiles, who moved to Moab, Utah and dug in for the long haul to spread the word. An illustrator and publisher, Stiles as a one man army, opposed to change, ranting and pontificating from his bi-monthly alternative newspaper, The Canyon Country Zephyr. Working alone since 1989, Stiles combines art, humor, and commentary with honest stories to create an extraordinary historical archive of the rapidly changing landscape and culture of the American West.

Over the years Moab has seen significant change and is quickly turning into a tacky theme park. Change is inevitable, but if we continue to dam the lakes and thoughtlessly overbuild, the net result will be a toxic concrete nation. While Stiles recognizes that the Old West of uranium mining and road-building had its share of problems, he cringes at the idea of the New West - a land of condos, paved roads, spandex-wearing bikers, and Olive Garden restaurants. Abby had some rather excellent advice that Stiles clearly took to heart: “May your travels be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view.”

“Tread lightly, sip and try to avoid a ‘super-sized’ approach to development. There’s still time to savor the untarnished and places and paths that lead to that “most amazing view.” - Mike Skurko