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[link removed] [[link removed]] Dear Friend,

Last summer, I shared with you a remarkable experience I had in Costilla County, one of the smallest counties in Colorado, where many live paycheck to paycheck. Despite being a community of just a few thousand people, more than 125 residents showed up for a midday town hall to share their concerns with me about a massive barrier being constructed by a billionaire landowner. This barrier undermines long-standing rights to access wildfire and firewood while also harming the county’s natural resources. It was a powerful and moving gathering.

Here’s a picture of me listening to the group I visited with:

[link removed] [[link removed]]What I heard at that meeting was very compelling: Costilla County residents are deeply concerned about the impact of this massive barrier on their historical rights, water resources, wildlife, and even access to a local cemetery. At the event, I listened to their concerns and promised to take action on their behalf.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been working to keep that promise—advocating for Costilla County both in the state legislature and in court. Before state legislators, I testified in favor of a bill that would preserve the rights of counties to regulate fence barriers that impinge on historical access and rights in this area of the state. During my testimony [[link removed]] , I described the barrier as:

“...so tall that deer and elk cannot jump over it to reach water. And one with grid openings so small—3.5 inches—that small birds and animals cannot get through it. And it’s topped with barbed wire. This fence has nothing in common with typical barbed wire fences in rural areas—instead, it’s far more similar to what we would see surrounding a state prison.”

The dispute between Costilla County and the billionaire landowner is now in court, as the county defends its authority to stop the construction of barriers like this that harm the community. In our filing on behalf of the people of Costilla County, we emphasized [[link removed]] that local communities like Costilla County have the power to decide how land is used when it significantly harms others. We also highlighted that we “have heard directly from residents about how this barrier has disrupted their daily lives, cultural practices, water access, and essential resources. We are standing with Costilla County and its residents to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.”

My commitment to Costilla County residents is the same as mine to all Coloradans: I will always show up, listen, find solutions, and fight for you. Thanks for supporting me in doing this important work.

Donate → [[link removed]]

Phil
[[link removed]]
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Phil Weiser for Colorado
PO Box 13644
Denver, CO 80201
United States