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James family deserves thanks, luck

It is good to read the story about the James Ranch conservation easement and the James family’s commitment to their land (Herald, April 19); let’s hope their dedication holds.

No doubt the Bodo family felt the same way about their beautiful valley, which is why they deeded their ranch in perpetuity to wildlife. As the Herald reported on May 23, 2010, the Bodo family trusted that their Ridges Basin would stay “wild for wildlife forever.”

However, the Animas-La Plata project was able to overcome the wildlife dedication through the Bureau of Reclamation, obtaining a condemnation of the Ridges Basin and filling it with Lake Nighthorse. I have lived near the Bodo Valley for almost 30 years, I remember walking in the peace and quiet, enjoying the natural beauty and seeing the wildlife at home there; all gone now — the price we paid for the appeasement of more powerful interests. So, thanks to the James family, and good luck too.

John Griffiths

Durango



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