(L-R) John Fielder, Kurt Kunkle (CEC) and Scott Braden
(CMC)
Earlier this month I joined renowned photographer John Fielder
and Colorado
Environmental Coalition (CEC) to call attention to a raft of
anti-conservation bills in the U.S. Congress. A new report on
the bills has been released by the group Environment
Colorado.
These bills, outlined in the report, would turn back the clock on hard won conservation rules that help keep Colorado's wildernesses and open spaces pristine and open to recreation. Read more on this at our blog.
These bills, outlined in the report, would turn back the clock on hard won conservation rules that help keep Colorado's wildernesses and open spaces pristine and open to recreation. Read more on this at our blog.
These bills illustrate that it is not enough to only seek new
protections for the special lands we love. We must also be vigilant and
defend our existing conservation successes and our bedrock environmental laws
that safeguard our quality of life and Colorado's recreation economy.
Scott Braden
Conservation Director
Defending Quiet Recreation & Wild Places
Right now there are several planning processes happening on public
lands that will have impacts, both positive and negative, on wild lands and
human-powered recreation. CMC Conservation is tracking and engaging on
these projects, but we encourage CMC members and the public to weigh in on
places you know and where you recreate. Decision makers want to hear from
you and are legally-bound to consider your comments. Here is a breakdown of
individual projects and links to comment or find more information:
High Peaks to Headwaters Watershed Restoration. The Forest
Service proposes to develop an riparian restoration plan on select watersheds
in the Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest.
This includes decommissioning and reclaiming about 19 miles of roads,
about 5 miles of which are currently open to the public. The routes in question
are mostly spurs or parallel routes to existing roads, so there is no
anticipated significant loss or recreational access. Comments are due by
September 10 and documents and maps can be found here.
High Country Travel Management Plan. South Platte
Ranger District of the Pike-San Isabel National Forest is seeking public input
on proposed changes to travel and recreation management. According to
officials, high levels of public use in some areas Extensive camping and
motorized use off authorized routes is causing unacceptable resource damage,
including to fragile subalpine and alpine tundra, wetlands, and fens. This plan
will affect lands and routes near Guanella Pass west to the Continental Divide,
and between Mt Evans and Lost Creek Wildernesses along Highway 285.
Comments are due by October 1 and documents and maps can be found here.
East Shore Trail - Rocky Mountain National Park. The park service
is considering opening a 2-mile segment of the East Shore Trail, along Shadow
Mountain Lake near the town of Grand Lake, to mountain bikes as well as making
some changes to the trail's existing alignment to protect wetlands. The
park service was directed by the legislation creating wilderness in the park in
2009 to consider these changes. Potential for user conflicts,
transportation needs and any potential for resource damage to the park are the
main concerns. Comments are due by September 21 and documents and maps can
be found here.
BLM White River Field Office - Plan Amendment. The BLM is
accepting comments on a major plan to facilitate a drilling up to
20,000 new natural gas wells near Meeker. One of the important factors
the BLM is considering is impacts to 230,000 acres of lands that potentially
possess wilderness qualities. This remote part of the state contains few
people, but many opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation in the
Roan Cliffs, Bookcliffs and along the White River. The 90-day comment
period on this draft plan extends until December 14. The EIS can be found
at the BLM website.
More information at http://www.whiterivercountry.com/.
20th Anniversary Backcountry Bash
Tickets Now On Sale!
Hosted by Pro Backcountry Skier Donny Roth
Saturday, November 3
Backcountry Bash tickets are on
sale! This year’s Bash will be held Saturday, November 3rd. Hosted
by pro backcountry skier Donny Roth, the Bash will feature beer by Avery
Brewing Company, food by Chipotle Mexican Grill, a great lineup of ski films,
and an incredible auction of gear and hut trips. Visit www.cmc.org/Bash for more
info and to buy tickets!
Last Volunteer Projects of the
Season!
Ophir Fen Restoration
The
Colorado Mountain Club will work with Mountain Studies Institute, San Juan
Citizens Alliance, USFS, and Durango Mountain Resorts to restore wetlands
disturbed during historic mining activities. Planting and erosion control. Stay
at the OPUS
hut!
Beaver Brook Trail Maintenance
Did you know that both CMC and
Denver Mountain Parks are celebrating their Centennials in 2012? Join the CMC
and Denver Mountain Parks to work on maintaining this awesome Front Range trail
overlooking Clear Creek Canyon. Lunch provided!
Sand Wash Basin Restoration
CMC returns to Moffat County to
celebrate National Public Lands Day with the Bureau of Land Management and a
local equestrian club. Assist with trail work and clean up of Sand Wash. Sand
Wash Basin is surrounded by ridges and mesas and is home to a herd of wild horses.
Car camping.
2012 Stewardship Season Highlights
Photos: Want to know what we've been up to all season? Check out
the CMC Flickr for photos
from each of
Story: Read one
volunteer's story about his experience on the North Maroon Trail Project.
We were fortunate to join Colorado Fourteeners Initiative for a few days. Read
more about their 10 week
project on one of Colorado's most famous 14ers.
Genessee Mountain Park Master Plan
Public Meeting
September 27, Denver
Denver Parks and Recreation will
host a second public meeting to obtain public input on the future of Genesee
Park on September 27 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Barnum Recreation Center,
360 Hooker St. Denver, CO. See attached flyer. Please join us for a
short presentation followed by an open house with concept plans and park staff
on hand to receive your input. If you are unable to attend please fill out this
short survey about the project:
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e66yrp71h54c7luy/start
Conservation News Roundup:
- Forest Service cracks down on OHV & snowmobile rentals. Read more
- White River National Forest approves Peak 6 expansion at Breckenridge. Read more
- Oil and gas development coming to South Park? Read more
- Vail founding father, Dr. Tom Steinberg, supports new wilderness. Read more
- NPR runs a five-part series on western wildfires and forest health. Listen here
- Wolf Creek Village land trade approved by Rio Grande National Forest. Read more
Rep. Diana DeGette Town Hall
September 24