Naturita is against the proposed Dolores Monument – here’s why
NATURITA, Colo. (KREX) — Former President Theodore Roosevelt designated the first National Monument, Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, more than a hundred years ago in 1906.
Since then, several federal agencies have been protecting and preserving historical sites and beautiful areas for generations to come.
The country’s possible 134th national monument? Dolores Canyon.
This secluded canyon, covered with green fields, rich minerals and towering rock walls, breathes life into farmers, ranchers and miners residing in this remote area.
Sen. Hickenlooper visited the small town of Naturita Friday to hear locals’ side of the story.
Hundreds of people crowded into the school gym to say their piece, with only one advocating for the monument.
Naturita local Sean Pond tells Western Slope Now he learned about the possible monument only a couple months ago, though he claims the community should’ve been involved months, possibly years earlier.
Just as Roosevelt designated Devil’s Tower as a National Monument in 1906, Sean fears the current president could do the same with the stroke of a pen, so he started the Halt the Dolores petition.
He tells Western Slope Now he thinks today, they’re over 9000 signatures in opposition of the National Monument – collected in 65 days.
Meanwhile, Protect the Dolores, a coalition of conservation organizations, community groups, and businesses pushing for this new monument, collected 103,000 signatures for the proposed Monument.
The proposed monument would cover nearly 400,000 acres of land stretching from Whitewater to Naturita.
Several locals told Hickenlooper the area doesn’t need more protection – they’re doing just fine at maintaining the land themselves.
Despite Naturita’s economic struggles, some feared tourists might overwhelm the tiny town and the little two-lane road leading through the canyon.
Some are concerned about hunting but one of the main worries lies underground. This area is home to a whopping 1,100 uranium, vanadium and gravel mines.
Mine owners like Leon Moores worry about what monument status would mean to existing mines and already prospected areas. However, the Protect the Dolores website says current mines will be grandfathered in.
Still, Sean believes the uranium mineral belt lines up too well with proposed monument borders.
Congressional candidate Russ Andrews says it isn’t just about minerals – he claims it’s a land grab, water grab, uranium grab and a grazing right for cattle grab.
All claims Protect the Dolores’ website clearly disputes.
Montrose County Commissioner Roger Rash says it wouldn’t be the first time miners were put out of business – for example, when the coal mine shut down.
It’s safe to say – in the little town of Naturita…there is a lot of convincing left to do.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
