Kyle Ransom - 2021

Lessons From the Bear River Range

This short film tells the story of the environmental impact made by early settlers of Cache Valley Utah on the Bear River Mountain Range, and how the lessons learned can be applied to the crises facing society today. By looking to my own home and ancestors to tell this story, I hoped to highlight the importance of each member of society taking it upon themselves to be concerned enough about their communities to take action. I have always been fascinated by the West of the 19th century, and the harsh relationship between man and nature it highlights. I began by looking back at the story of my Third Great Grandmother Hannah Humphries Wheeler. In my research, I came across “An Environmental History of the Bear River Range, 1860-1910”, by Brad Hansen, from which I adapted the narration.The photos used are from Utah State University’s Special Collections, taken in and around Cache Valley during the relevant time period. Video footage was taken from my travels around the United States over the last two years.