I believe that most of us who live and recreate in the White River National Forest region can agree that protecting our public lands is an important common value. We all appreciate the beautiful scenery, clean water, and recreational opportunities provided to us by our backyard public lands.
That is why I'm confused when some people are so vocal against wilderness designation. Polls show that residents support the Hidden Gems proposal 2-1.
I believe that most of us who live and recreate in the White River National Forest region can agree that protecting our public lands is an important common value. We all appreciate the beautiful scenery, clean water, and recreational opportunities provided to us by our backyard public lands.
That is why I'm confused when some people are so vocal against wilderness designation. Polls show that residents support the Hidden Gems proposal 2-1.
The Hidden Gems wilderness proposal deserves the support of anyone who values healthy wild landscapes and quiet recreational opportunities.
There are already thousands of miles of designated motorized trails in central Colorado, but there is a certain segment of the population for whom there will never be enough. By the same token, there are plenty of us (I'm pushing Medicare age) who want our grandchildren (and the grandchildren of the lynx, trout, elk and pika) to have the same opportunities to experience solitude and silence that we had as kids.
I just read that the Hidden Gems campaign has submitted its wilderness proposal for review to our congressional delegation. I am excited to see that this project is finally moving forward. As a Vail Valley local of 28 years, I believe this proposal is an important step toward preserving not only the beauty of the area but also the creatures with whom we share the valley.
An act of Congress to set aside 26,000 additional acres of wilderness in the Wasatch Mountain canyons east of the Salt Lake Valley could benefit water users. It could also benefit its sponsor, Utah Rep. Jim Matheson, whose vote against health care legislation has made him unpopular with some Democratic voters in the 2nd Congressional District.
The Hidden Gems wilderness proposal deserves the support of anyone who values healthy wild landscapes and quiet recreational opportunities. There are already thousands of miles of designated motorized trails in central Colorado, but there is a certain segment of the population for whom there will never be enough. By the same token, there are plenty of us (I'm pushing Medicare age) who want our grandchildren, (and the grandchildren of the lynx, trout, elk and pika,) to have the same opportunities to experience solitude and silence that we had as kids.
I wish to express my support for the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal. Natural areas will not endure as before unless people act to protect them. Don't forget that most of this country was once as pristine and beautiful as this area or more so. Human activities in most of them have ensured that they will never be wild or have complete ecosystems again. As residents of a place surrounded by wilderness- quality areas, we have the responsibility to protect what we love and use so frequently. I hope that our elected officials realize this and support the Hidden Gems proposal, as well.
I just read that the Hidden Gems campaign has submitted its wilderness proposal for review to our congressional delegation. I am excited to see that this project is finally moving forward.
As a Vail Valley local of 28 years I believe this proposal is an important step towards preserving not only the beauty of the area, but also the creatures with whom we share the valley. Many people don't realize how little this proposal will effect recreation in Eagle County, yet the benefit to wildlife could be immeasurable.
This letter is in response to Mr. Kuhnmuench's letter calling me inflammatory. I certainly hope so. That was the intention.
Point by point. The BLM and national-forest lands are both federal, which is what I said in my letter.
One problem is that the BLM is even more understaffed than the Forest Service. As far as I know, there is no BLM office in Eagle County and only one BLM person assigned from outside to watch over our entire area.
One year after it was permanently protected as wilderness, life in the Badlands continues as it always has; the golden eagles and peregrine falcons still circle overhead; the desert wildflowers are starting to bloom; hikers, hunters, horseback riders and birdwatchers revel in the solitude of wilderness. But there is one crucial difference between today and a year ago: Now that this area is protected as wilderness, we know that whatever changes come our way, the Badlands will be there for our children and grandchildren to enjoy the silent arrival of spring in Oregon's high desert.
Letter: Hidden Gems favored 2-1
April 19th, 2010I believe that most of us who live and recreate in the White River National Forest region can agree that protecting our public lands is an important common value. We all appreciate the beautiful scenery, clean water, and recreational opportunities provided to us by our backyard public lands.
That is why I'm confused when some people are so vocal against wilderness designation. Polls show that residents support the Hidden Gems proposal 2-1.
Letter: Hidden Gems favored 2-1
April 19th, 2010I believe that most of us who live and recreate in the White River National Forest region can agree that protecting our public lands is an important common value. We all appreciate the beautiful scenery, clean water, and recreational opportunities provided to us by our backyard public lands.
That is why I'm confused when some people are so vocal against wilderness designation. Polls show that residents support the Hidden Gems proposal 2-1.
Letter: Workshop deserves praise
April 12th, 2010The Hidden Gems wilderness proposal deserves the support of anyone who values healthy wild landscapes and quiet recreational opportunities.
There are already thousands of miles of designated motorized trails in central Colorado, but there is a certain segment of the population for whom there will never be enough. By the same token, there are plenty of us (I'm pushing Medicare age) who want our grandchildren (and the grandchildren of the lynx, trout, elk and pika) to have the same opportunities to experience solitude and silence that we had as kids.
Letter: Hidden Gems a huge step
April 12th, 2010I just read that the Hidden Gems campaign has submitted its wilderness proposal for review to our congressional delegation. I am excited to see that this project is finally moving forward. As a Vail Valley local of 28 years, I believe this proposal is an important step toward preserving not only the beauty of the area but also the creatures with whom we share the valley.
Editorial: Wilderness bill; Providing more canyon protections
April 12th, 2010An act of Congress to set aside 26,000 additional acres of wilderness in the Wasatch Mountain canyons east of the Salt Lake Valley could benefit water users. It could also benefit its sponsor, Utah Rep. Jim Matheson, whose vote against health care legislation has made him unpopular with some Democratic voters in the 2nd Congressional District.
Letter: Support Hidden Gems
April 7th, 2010The Hidden Gems wilderness proposal deserves the support of anyone who values healthy wild landscapes and quiet recreational opportunities. There are already thousands of miles of designated motorized trails in central Colorado, but there is a certain segment of the population for whom there will never be enough. By the same token, there are plenty of us (I'm pushing Medicare age) who want our grandchildren, (and the grandchildren of the lynx, trout, elk and pika,) to have the same opportunities to experience solitude and silence that we had as kids.
Letter: Support Hidden Gems
April 8th, 2010I wish to express my support for the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal. Natural areas will not endure as before unless people act to protect them. Don't forget that most of this country was once as pristine and beautiful as this area or more so. Human activities in most of them have ensured that they will never be wild or have complete ecosystems again. As residents of a place surrounded by wilderness- quality areas, we have the responsibility to protect what we love and use so frequently. I hope that our elected officials realize this and support the Hidden Gems proposal, as well.
Letter: Hidden Gems important for area's animal populations
April 8th, 2010I just read that the Hidden Gems campaign has submitted its wilderness proposal for review to our congressional delegation. I am excited to see that this project is finally moving forward.
As a Vail Valley local of 28 years I believe this proposal is an important step towards preserving not only the beauty of the area, but also the creatures with whom we share the valley. Many people don't realize how little this proposal will effect recreation in Eagle County, yet the benefit to wildlife could be immeasurable.
Letter: Take care of your federal lands
April 5th, 2010This letter is in response to Mr. Kuhnmuench's letter calling me inflammatory. I certainly hope so. That was the intention.
Point by point. The BLM and national-forest lands are both federal, which is what I said in my letter.
One problem is that the BLM is even more understaffed than the Forest Service. As far as I know, there is no BLM office in Eagle County and only one BLM person assigned from outside to watch over our entire area.
Opinion: Celebrate Badlands Wilderness anniversary, protect more land
March 31st, 2010One year after it was permanently protected as wilderness, life in the Badlands continues as it always has; the golden eagles and peregrine falcons still circle overhead; the desert wildflowers are starting to bloom; hikers, hunters, horseback riders and birdwatchers revel in the solitude of wilderness. But there is one crucial difference between today and a year ago: Now that this area is protected as wilderness, we know that whatever changes come our way, the Badlands will be there for our children and grandchildren to enjoy the silent arrival of spring in Oregon's high desert.