STATEMENT: Counties propose National Conservation Area for Dolores River

DENVER – Mesa and Montrose counties have unveiled a new proposal to create a National Conservation Area (NCA) as an alternative to a community-led proposal for a Dolores River Canyons national monument. The counties’ proposed area includes only about 10% of the land recommended in the national monument proposal, suggesting protections for only a single narrow strip of nature along the Dolores River.

The Dolores River Canyon country encompasses stunning high desert ecosystems in western Colorado and is home to diverse wildlife, valuable cultural resources and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

The proposal from the counties does not include wildlife habitat in Unaweep Canyon, the Uncompahgre Plateau, and Roc Creek, which include critical winter range, calving areas, and migration corridors for elk and deer. Nearly all of the Dolores River Canyon, Sewemup Mesa and The Palisade Wilderness Study Areas are also excluded from the proposal.

In response, Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center Advocate Henry Stiles issued the following statement:

“While we appreciate that county leaders recognize the need to conserve this critical ecosystem, the proposed protected area is insufficient to mitigate threats from development and mining or safeguard the region’s wildlife corridors and water quality. Our wildlife needs more than 30,000 acres of undeveloped habitat to live and thrive. The Dolores River Canyon’s stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity require comprehensive protection, not just a narrow sliver along the riverbanks.”