Recently, there has been some turmoil around Silverton regarding the helicopter terrain proposal brought to the BLM by Silverton Mountain Guides. I apologize to anyone I have offended. This is by no means a fight against Silverton Mountain, or heli-skiing for that matter. This is a fight for our public lands and the peace and quiet people from all over enjoy between here and Howardsville.
During the Feb. 10 county commissioners meeting, Silverton Mountain employees came before commissioners, asking them to go the BLM and request that the permitting process be expedited. The commissioners agreed, and it nearly went unnoticed. The commissioners’ word is strong, and the BLM should also hear the voice of the opposition.
I started a petition asking for governing bodies to hold off on moving forward with the proposal. Many people have signed it. What is disappointing is the number of people who feel they cannot put their name on it. They have expressed appreciation for what I am doing but are scared of repercussion for standing up for their public land.
The mountain wants to exchange some of their current terrain by Cinnamon pass and the Animas Forks area for terrain east of Howardsville. Minnie, Maggie and Cunningham would be included as well as the northwest side of King Salomon mountain – the slide paths that come down to the Animas River. The only significant area not included would be the south side of Galena by the Old Hundred boarding house.
I hope that in 10 or 15 years we can look back at this decision and be grateful that the experience on our public lands was not compromised in order to allow the minute portion of the population who can heli-ski to do so. Many things are compromised in the name of economy and jobs. The potential for some work for a few people should not lead to giving up our air space. Please encourage Silverton Mountain to continue to operate in its existing permit area. Send comments to Jeff Chritenson, jchritenson@blm.gov, and Connie Clementson, cclementson@blm.gov.
Stephen Mead
Silverton
