A working group of elected officials and community leaders drafted a statement last week, which was directed to Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, along with Congressman Jeff Hurd. The statement, sent Dec. 6, focuses on the future of the Dolores Canyons Area and its conservation, a topic that has been at the forefront of community discussions, news and public meetings for the last year. It’s a subject that has greatly divided many in Colorado, with some pushing to designate the Dolores River Corridor as a national monument, but the majority of locals in the West End — and running north and south — mostly united in stating they don’t want a national monument designation.
The Dec. 6 letter is signed by commissioners Sue Hansen, of Montrose County, and Cody Davis, of Mesa County, but also John Reams, of Nucla and the president of the Small Miners Association; Janie Van Winkle, cattlewoman and community leader; Aimee Tooker, community leader and entrepreneur; Paul Szilagyi, CEO and manager of Nuvemco, which is a mining company; and also Joseph Weimer, of Weimer Ranches; and Alan Sisson.
The letter states that working groups have been hard at work in discussions and framework surrounding the proposal of a Dolores Canyon national monument for most all of 2024. Now, though, local leaders are willing to compromise and establish an NCA — rather than a full-blown monument.
“In response to feedback from residents in southern Mesa County and the west end of Montrose County, who have expressed opposition to a National Monument designation, we began exploring the concept of a National Conservation Area (NCA),” the letter states. “This alternative was designed to provide conservation where it is most needed while preserving future economic potential and maintaining the way of life that local residents value.”
The letter adds that an NCA map has been drafted, one that “reflects guiding principles intended to protect these values” and that the map was “intended to facilitate open dialogue about the pros and cons of both the National Monument and NCA proposals.”
The letter goes on to state that communication has been state-wide, but has been limited in communities most affected. The letter says it’s “critical” to include all voices, especially those with deep connections to the land in question.
“We recognize that expanding the list of stakeholders and ensuring comprehensive participation will require time, effort, and commitment,” the letter states. “These discussions may be complex and challenging, but they are necessary to create a well-considered outcome. We also understand the desire to include this proposal in the Public Lands package. However, the long-term implications of this decision warrant a process that is deliberate, transparent, and inclusive.”
The letter then asks for additional time to refine the map boundaries and language of any proposed legislation.
“By dedicating the necessary time and effort, we can develop a plan that honors the area’s natural beauty while safeguarding the economic, historical, and cultural fabric of our communities,” it states toward the end.
Sent copies of the letter, which is directed toward the legislators, were John Witney, Hilary Henry, Sarah McCarthy, Nick Bayer, Mackenzie Younger, and both the Montrose and Mesa counties' boards of commissioners.
