Conservation in the New West

By SCOTT McMILLION Chronicle Staff Writer

Region's natural beauty draws newcomers, bolsters economy, triggers bitter battles

ERIK PETERSEN/Chronicle A deck on the main lodge at the Sun Ranch overlooks a sweeping view of the Madison Range. "Henry David Thoreau didn't build a trophy home."

Jim Barrett, Park County Environmental Council

Thanks to modern four-wheel-drive vehicles, you can live at an elevation of 7,000 feet and still be a soccer mom.

"It's as much of a revolution and a change in the demographics as the horse was for the Plains Indian," said archeologist Larry Lahren, who is also a Park County commissioner. "It's been a revolution in terms of people moving into this area, particularly the hinterlands."

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