For years BlueRibbon Coalition has been working to oppose and prevent the designation of the proposed Dolores River Canyon National Monument in western Colorado. It will cause significant issues for public access to lands, the local economic stability, and responsible land management. Here are five key reasons why this designation is problematic and should be opposed:
1. Restriction of Public Access and Recreation
National monument designations often come with sweeping restrictions that limit traditional uses of public lands. For the Dolores River Canyon, this could mean closures to motorized recreation, dispersed camping, hunting, target shooting, and other activities vital to the rural lifestyle and recreation-based tourism. These restrictions disproportionately impact the local communities and recreation enthusiasts who depend on these lands for their livelihoods and enjoyment.
2. Threat to Local Economies
The Dolores River Canyon region supports ranching, resource development, and recreation-based businesses. Monument designations often impose regulations that hinder industries like grazing, mineral extraction, and timber harvesting, threatening local jobs and tax revenues. The economic impacts of these restrictions often ripple through small communities, undermining their sustainability.
3. Bureaucratic Overreach and Mismanagement
Federal monument designations frequently result in inefficient land management, as decision-making shifts away from local stakeholders to distant federal agencies. This can lead to mismanagement, as federal officials may lack the nuanced understanding of the region’s specific needs, cultural practices, and ecological realities. Local voices are often sidelined, despite having a vested interest in responsible stewardship of these lands.
4. Lack of Local Input and Transparency
Proposals like the Dolores River Canyon National Monument often emerge from political agendas rather than grassroots support. The process frequently overlooks, marginalizes, or dismisses input from local residents, recreational groups, and ranchers. This lack of transparency undermines trust and denies stakeholders a meaningful say in decisions that directly affect their lives and communities.
5. Existing Protections Are Already in Place
The Dolores River Canyon is already managed under a variety of federal and state protections designed to conserve its natural and cultural values. These include Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs), and other conservation measures. Layering additional monument designations on top of these protections is redundant and risks overregulating the area, making it inaccessible for responsible and sustainable use.
Take Action
Protecting the Dolores River Canyon should not come at the cost of access, livelihoods, and local autonomy. We urge you to speak out against this designation by contacting your representatives below!
Map of Proposed Designation
