Last Chance for Comments to Protect Colorado's Backcountry National Forests

Colorado "Road" Rule Threatens Roadless Areas Statewide

Letters needed by October 2nd!

Click here to write a letter to Governor Ritter.

Colorado's best backcountry forests are at risk. President Barack Obama has been a strong supporter of the recently-affirmed 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a landmark environmental measure that preserves 58.5 million acres of inventoried roadless areas in your National Forests.

Even though a Federal court recently reinstated the 2001 Rule, the State of Colorado is continuing efforts to open up some of the wildest backcountry in Colorado to widespread logging, new coal mines, and oil and gas drilling.  The proposed Colorado Rule would provide weaker protections for Colorado's backcountry forests than any other state in the country.

This proposed Rule would allow roads 1.5 miles into roadless areas for fuel reduction projects, and an unlimited distance for electrical lines. With logging allowed at least 1.5 miles into backcountry areas, up to 660,000 acres, more than 15 percent, of Colorado's roadless areas, would be at risk. This would jeopardize valuable wildlife habitat, clean water sources, and popular recreation areas.
Written Letters Will be Heard
Fortunately, Governor Ritter has asked the public to weigh in one last time on the proposed Colorado Rule.

This is our last chance to encourage the Governor (and USDA Secretary Vilsack who will be copied on your letter) to secure strong protections for Colorado's backcountry forests.

San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act Introduced!

Please Thank Congressman Salazar Today

On October 22, Congressman Salazar introduced legislation to permanently protect over 60,000 acres of pristine lands in San Miguel, Ouray, and San Juan Counties.

The Legislation Would:
Designate Wilderness –
·      3,170 acres will be added to the existing Lizard Head Wilderness Area in San Miguel County
·      21,606 acres will be added to the existing Mt. Sneffels Wilderness Area in San Miguel and Ouray County.
·      8,614 acres of the McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area in San Miguel County, located in the Disappointment Valley, will be designated as wilderness (representing the first designation in the lower Dolores River watershed).  

Designate Additional Protections –
·      21,697 acres in San Juan and San Miguel County including Ice Lakes basin outside of Silverton and the high alpine peaks near Ophir will be designated as the Sheep Mountain Special Management Area. Existing uses including heliisking will be allowed to continue, but no new roads or other development will be permitted.  The area will automatically become wilderness should the heliiski company cease to operate in the area. 
·      6,595 acres will be withdrawn from eligibility for mineral leasing in Naturita Canyon, near Norwood in San Miguel County

Email, call, or write:

John.Whitney@mail.house.gov

970-259-1012

Honorable John T. Salazar

813 Main Ave, Ste 300

Durango, CO 81301

We need your help with ideas for the future of local Public Access television.
Next year durango public access television also known as DCAT is fecing serious funding shortages. The funding for this program will be cut down to only $5,000 next year, making a 90% budget cut from previous funding. What this means for DCAT community video producers is a large reduction in services.  This includes teaching classes, checking out equipment, shooting local events, providing technical support, updating the bulletin board, etc.  Christopher Hall the exectutive diractor of the program will be leaving DCAT at the end of the year and because there will be no funding to replace him operations will most likely be handled by the volunteer board and other volunteers. Public Access needs your support and ideas now more than ever.  We are asking members of the community to write down your thoughts and send an email or letter on "What DCAT means to you and what you would like to see in the future for local public access television".  Our hope is that with enough support the City of Durango finds the will to continue supporting Public Access Television for the community.
Email your thoughts to: citycouncil@ci.durango.co.us

Weigh in on La Plata County Comprehensive Plan Update
La Plata County has developed a draft Vision Statement based on comments from more than 300 county residents. Did they get it right? The planning team will be accepting feedback until November 6, 2009. To view the visioning document and provide your opinion visit this link:http://www.laplatacountyplan.com/Community_Vision_Statement_DRAFTweb_version_10.2.09_distributed.pdf

Support Local Green Leadership
The Durango Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2009 Green Business Leadership Award to recognize the business that demonstrates leadership, risk, and innovation in utilizing environmentally responsible, healthy, and profitable business practices. This award is sponsored by the Green Business Roundtable and past recipients include: Tierra Group, LLC, Durango Coffee Company, Lorax Forest Care, James Ranch, Phoenix Recycling, Sunnyside Meats, Inc., and The Smiley Building.

To suggest a nomination, fill out Question #9 of the Chamber's online form at:http://freeonlinesurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=z5ldvefh3baf1gz643120 by November 6, 2009. Completed nomination forms can be sent to Michelle Reott, 250 W. 16th St, Durango, CO 81301 or e-mailed to mreott@earthly-ideas.com. Call Michelle at 970-259-8090 for additional information.