Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities
** Could the Dolores River be Colorado’s next national monument?
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Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Dolores River Canyon, Center for Western Priorities ([link removed])
The Denver Post ([link removed]) editorial board ([link removed]) says it's time to protect the Dolores River and surrounding lands. The Dolores River ([link removed]) , located along Colorado's western border with Utah, is home to important riparian habitat, recreational opportunities, and Native American artifacts and cultural sites.
Colorado political leaders and conservationists are advocating for increased protections for the area. The proposed Dolores River National Conservation Area and Special Management Area ([link removed]) Act ([link removed]) , which aims to safeguard nearly 70,000 acres of land around the river, has bipartisan support from Colorado leaders including Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, as well as Representative Lauren Boebert. The proposal seeks to establish effective management strategies to prevent land degradation and overdevelopment, but would not include the entire area in need of protection.
In addition to ongoing legislative efforts, there is an opportunity for President Biden to designate the area as a national monument, which could protect an even larger landscape. Such a designation would provide increased protection and allocate additional resources to preserve the landscape. The editorial ([link removed]) urges President Biden to consider using his authority under the Antiquities Act to make the Dolores River landscape a national monument, protecting it for future generations.
Quick hits
** Arizona copper mine construction delayed, as activists work to find solution
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KTAR ([link removed])
** Nevada fight over leaky irrigation canal and groundwater more complicated than appears on surface
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Associated Press ([link removed])
** Amid changing climate, big fires leave lasting changes to terrain in New Mexico
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Albuquerque Journal ([link removed])
** Judge says U.S. Forest Service can continue dropping wildfire retardant
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Sierra Sun Times ([link removed]) | Associated Press ([link removed].)
** Massive rare earth discoveries could mean a new mining rush in the Mountain West
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Wyoming Public Radio ([link removed])
** Bill to expand San Gabriel Mountains National Monument introduced in Congress
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Orange County Register ([link removed])
** Managing thousands of miles of Wyoming trails is a science
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Cowboy State Daily ([link removed])
** Ranching and the Crazy Mountain 100 race in Montana
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Trail Runner Magazine ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” The history of the mountain range and people that were here before farming and ranching is equally important. Knowing the history gives a deeper appreciation and gratitude for where we’re running.”
—Megan DeHaan, Crazy Mountain 100 Race Director, Trail Runner Magazine ([link removed])
Picture this
[link removed]
** @Interior ([link removed])
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Fields of wildflowers paint the hills yellow and orange at California’s Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument.
Photo by Doug Herrema/@BLMNational ([link removed])
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