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The state of Colorado has some amazing natural treasures to offer both residents and tourists. These natural spaces provide endless enjoyment to all who choose to recreate there, as well as a solid economic boost to the communities surrounding them. Unfortunately, as human development expands across our beautiful state, more and more of the natural spaces we love are under anthropogenic threat of degradation. To this end, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for the Obama administration’s designation of Browns Canyon as a national monument!
Browns provides a huge value to all who are fortunate enough to visit, as well as to the animals that currently reside there. People visit Browns for everything from backpacking to fishing and river rafting. As a Fort Lewis College student, I greatly enjoy spending my free time immersed in nature – away from sights of industrialization and pursuing outdoor recreation. The Arkansas River, which flows through Browns, is one of the most popular rafting destinations in the entire United States. The unique topography of Browns provides habitat for a diverse wildlife community, including peregrine falcons, golden eagles and bighorn sheep.
In addition to the natural and recreational benefits intrinsic to Browns, there are also concrete economic benefits afforded by it. Commercial rafting on the Arkansas River brings in approximately $55 million a year to the local economy, and when combined with the revenues gained from hunting and fishing, Browns is an essential part of both the local and greater Colorado economy. Browns is an invaluable resource, and I would like to again congratulate and thank the Obama administration for recognizing this through the national monument designation.
While protection for Browns is indeed a great step toward conservation, I would encourage more communities to join the conservation and work to build broad coalitions and public support to protect and preserve our valuable natural treasures for future generations.
Sydney Morris
Durango
