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Bill great example of collaborative effort

The piece that ran in the Herald on Sunday, Feb. 5, illustrates what a successful, collaborative grassroots effort looks like. The formulation of the San Juan Wilderness bill has been done the right way since its inception, with local community involvement from the very beginning.

Crafted by local residents of the San Juan Mountains region, the San Juan bill resulted from years of input by people of every interest area, with thorough attention to detail and intimate knowledge of the landscapes. San Miguel, Ouray and San Juan Counties, along with the Towns of Telluride, Mountain Village and Ophir (and others) have been united in their support of the San Juan bill for years.

We are fortunate to live near these majestic places, and visit them often. They draw people from all over the nation, supporting our communities with the dollars that tourism brings in, whether people are viewing the spectacular views from the train to Silverton, hiking above Yankee Boy Basin, or mountain biking near Telluride.

I am excited and hopeful that the San Juan Wilderness bill is passed very soon. Local people have worked together to get the proposal to where it is now, supported by a diverse group of residents, business owners, recreationists, elected officials and ranchers.

That’s why Sens. Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner, and Rep. Tipton must work together, as a team, to pass this bill for the benefit of everyone that lives in, or visits, our mountains.

Mark Latham

Durango