While much of the media is busy covering the standoff in Oregon, the annual Colorado College State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West poll was released showing strong public support for efforts to protect and maintain national public lands. Even though the armed anti-government protesters garner much media attention, it’s important to remember that most Westerners disagree with them, favoring greater protection and sensible use of our public lands.
Almost 85 percent of Coloradans support future presidents’ ability to designate national monuments like Chimney Rock and Canyons of the Ancients, local and national treasures. Coloradans understand that our unique natural attractions like Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, and Canyon of the Ancients deserve to be preserved not only because of their historical and cultural value but also because they attract tourists to the area, helping to build our local economy.
Public lands are our lands and this poll reminds us that as Westerners, we respect our remarkable heritage forged through the ages by Native American neighbors and pioneer ancestors.
See: https://www.coloradocollege.edu/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest
Deborah Gangloff, president and CEO
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Cortez
