The Western Slope of Colorado is rich in both natural beauty and resources, and for decades a conflict has been escalating between those interested in protecting the area's wildness and those wishing to extract its value. The story of the Western Colorado Congress began in the 1970s as small activist groups sprouted in communities throughout western Colorado. Observing the increased destruction of the land, particularly from extractive industries, concerned citizens organized a voice in opposition to the rampant development.
In 1980 a group of about 40 people assembled at a farmhouse in Montrose to combine their efforts in fighting off irresponsible development. In less than thirty years, what was previously a power dynamic of David and Goliath proportions - small citizen-activist groups versus large corporate power - has transformed into something quite different. Today, the Western Colorado Congress is a well-organized coalition, comprised of eight groups representing communities across the Western Slope. Nearly a dozen staff members and twenty board members work in offices throughout the region to "create healthy, sustainable communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship and a truly democratic society." Their membership is almost 3,200 strong, which translates into more power and greater political influence.
Hikers stopped for a rest against the backdrop of Dominguez Canyon's sandstone cliffs; © Jim Riddell
The Western Slope region is in the midst of political flux as more and more people who value open spaces and opportunities for solitude and quiet recreation move to the area. As citizens have observed the tremendous destruction of the Western Slope from oil and gas development, as well as the scarring impacts of off-road vehicles, the Western Colorado Congress has provided an important organizational infrastructure to help citizens voice their opposition to the threats imposed on the communities' ecosystems and way of life.
From its inception, the Western Colorado Congress has understood the importance and value of organizing citizens at the grassroots level citizens who share an interest in protecting their communities. The Congress has enhanced its influence by joining the Western Organization of Resource Councils, boasting a membership of 9,500, which is a network of grassroots organizations from seven states including the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon and Idaho. These groups work together to shape national legislation and policies "that balance economic growth with the health of people and stewardship of their land, water, and air resources."
The WCC 'Founding Humans' at the first official meeting in May 1980.
The WCC is also part of the Friends of Greater Dominguez Canyons coalition, a team of organizations working to permanently protect the Dominguez Canyons area as wilderness. The Greater Dominguez Canyons citizens' proposal encompasses lands that range in elevation from 4,800 feet to over 9,000 feet, capturing the topographic and biological diversity of the region. The proposal would protect majestic winding canyons, awe-inspiring vistas, endangered plants and animals and their habitats, unique rock formations, waterfalls and plunging pools. The area contains culturally and historically significant ancient petroglyphs and dwellings and also provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking and other recreational activities.
Excellent examples of petroglyphs in Dominguez Canyon; © Jim Riddell
Much of the area included in the citizen's proposal consists of low-level canyonlands, which is an underrepresented ecosystem in the National Wilderness Preservation System. Mark Schofield, who serves as Director of Organizing and also works with the Public Lands Committee, is one of many hoping to see legislation enacted. Once permanent protection of the Greater Dominguez Canyons area is achieved, he explains, "We can build on that vision of protecting lower elevation canyon country to other deserving places."
For more information about the Western Colorado Congress, and the Dominguez Canyons wilderness proposal, visit http://www.wccongress.org/.
