In a Denver Post op-ed, Center for Western Priorities Executive Director makes the case that Colorado legislators should champion the proposed Dolores

Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** How to protect all of the Dolores Canyons
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Thursday, December 14, 2023
Dolores River Canyon, Center for Western Priorities ([link removed])

In a Denver Post op-ed, ([link removed]) Center for Western Priorities Executive Director Jennifer Rokala makes the case that Colorado legislators should champion the proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument ([link removed]) . The Dolores Canyons area is home to a rich ecosystem of plants and wildlife—including native fish, river otters, beavers, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and songbirds. It is also a lifeline for the Southwestern United States, connecting to the Colorado River system and sustaining the lives of 40 million people. For over a decade, community leaders, conservationists, river guides, and local business leaders have attempted to preserve the Dolores River watershed, one of the largest contiguous landscapes in the state.

A bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper, and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert ([link removed].) would designate the southern portion of the Dolores River corridor in Montezuma, Dolores, and San Miguel counties as a National Conservation Area ([link removed]) and Special Management Area. However, the legislation leaves out the Dolores Canyons in Mesa and Montrose counties
([link removed]) , an area that contains the largest and most biodiverse contiguous swath of unprotected public lands in Colorado. A national monument for the Dolores Canyons in the north would complement the proposed legislation in the south.

While passing the bill ought to be a no-brainer for congressional leaders, particularly those in the West, Colorado’s elected leaders have an opportunity to think bigger by asking President Biden to protect the Dolores Canyons area in Mesa and Montrose counties as a national monument. The proposed Dolores Canyons National Monument would be wildly popular among Colorado voters, according to a 2023 poll of Colorado voters ([link removed]) that showed support from 84 percent of respondents, spanning the political spectrum and including 93 percent of Democrats, 85 percent of Independents, and 71 percent of Republicans.

“The creation of new monuments is about invigorating our natural heritage, transcending political divides, and ensuring outdoor spaces will be here for future generations to enjoy,” said Rokala ([link removed]) in the op-ed. “President Biden has already designated five new national monuments since taking office, including the Camp Hale–Continental Divide National Monument. Yet Colorado and the rest of the West deserve more.”


** Quick hits
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Unanimous support shown for proposed Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument expansion at public meeting

Lake County News ([link removed])

Sinema co-sponsors mining bill some call workaround after Rosemont Copper decision

KJZZ ([link removed])

Feds propose 20-year ban on mining, oil and gas drilling on 225,000 acres in Thompson Divide

Colorado Sun ([link removed])

The Biden administration’s opportunity to protect the Brooks Range from unnecessary mining via Ambler Road

Center for American Progress ([link removed])

$2.5 million put toward finding desert Tribal sacred sites

Desert Sun ([link removed])

National Park Service to begin study of former Dearfield township for possible inclusion in park system

Greeley Tribune ([link removed])

Former Interior Secretary Babbitt unpacks the battle over the West's water

Politico ([link removed])

The race to save the Great Salt Lake

Mother Jones ([link removed])


** Quote of the day
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” The scientists are out there saying, ‘There’s a problem. We have a drought. The demand exceeds the supply. There’s going to be a day of reckoning.’ Here we are: The crisis has arrived.”

—Former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, Politico ([link removed])


** Picture This
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[link removed]

@usinterior ([link removed])
Steller's jays are beautiful birds with distinctive triangular crests found throughout North America's western forests and mountains. These birds are renowned for their boldness, curiosity and intelligence.

They often announce their arrival with a loud, clamorous call. They can even imitate other birds, especially red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, flickers and squirrels.

Have you seen one?

Photo by NPS

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