President Obama urged to use Antiquities Act to designate SW Colorado’s Chimney Rock as national monument

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Chimney Rock, Colorado.

New study shows designation could significant economic benefits for the region

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Despite early bipartisan support, a bill to designate southwest Colorado’s Chimney Rock as a national monument appears to be stuck in pre-election political gridlock.

Chimney Rock, between Pagosa Springs and Durango, likely was an important settlement and spiritual site in the Chacoan culture.

With local community support for the designation, as well a new report showing the economic benefits of the designation, Democratic Colorado senators Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, along with Republican Representative Scott Tipton, are asking President Obama to make the designation under the Antiquities Act. (more…)

Filed under: Archaeology, Colorado, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

SW Colorado Weber Fire grows to 8,000 acres

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Fire near Mancos uncontained, but no homes lost

The Durango Herald has been staying on top of the Weber Fire, with timely reports and photo galleries. Click to visit the Herald’s website for more information.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — The Weber Fire, burning in bone-dry southwest Colorado, grew to almost 8,000 acres by Sunday night, but at last reports, hadn’t burned any structures.

The fire is burning near the towns of Mancos and Cortez, west of Durango, Colorado.

With the federal fire information website InciWeb.org apparently experiencing some technical difficulties, residents of the area have created a Facebook page to post information on the fire, including links to local and regional media reports. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Environment, forest fires | Tagged: , , , , | 1 Comment »

Udall touts local support for new San Juan wilderness

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Proposal would add 33,000 acres around Lizard Head Peak and Mt. Sneffels and block mining on 6,000 acres in Naturita Canyon

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By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Local governments, property owners and homeonwers’ associations this week all voiced support for the latest wilderness proposal in Colorado, which is seen by many residents in southwest Colorado as a potential boost to their recreation-based economy.

Formal support came from the Ouray, San Miguel and San Juan county commissions, the city of Ouray and the towns of Ophir, Ridgway, Mountain Village, Telluride and Norwood, as well as local homeowners’ associations and landowners.

After a lengthy stakeholder process that reached consensus on details of the proposed  San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act, Udall said he’s also expecting support from local businesses and recreation enthusiasts in coming days. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, economy, Environment, forests, public lands, recreation, Summit County news, US Forest Service | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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