Costilla County residents are worried, to say the least, about an out-of-state billionaire landowner’s fence currently under construction. But to call it just a fence does no justice to what is happening in Costilla—this is an eight-foot tall barrier constructed by heavy machinery resulting in major swaths of land being cleared, which in turn caused multiple impacts to wildlife blocked from accessing water and polluting local streams through unmitigated erosion. And it’s harming Costilla residents who have had access and legal rights to this land for generations to hunt game for food and gather firewood for heating.
The Costilla County residents reached out to my office because no one would hear their concerns. So at their invitation, I drove to the San Luis Valley to hear firsthand about it and see it for myself. In a county of just a few thousand people, more than 125 residents showed up to share their views with me. It was powerful. |
What I heard is that this barrier impacts not only wildlife and streams, but also the people’s spiritual and religious practices, their source of heating, and access to a cemetery. But what really stuck with me is the message this barrier sends to the community.
The local newspaper wrote about my visit here. My message to the community was simple—that I was there to listen and to learn, that I took their concerns seriously, and that I would see what can be done about it. |
As Colorado Attorney General, I will always stand with the people of Colorado. Thank you for your support in this crucial work. Phil |
