Supporters of proposed Dolores River monument attend public listening session

NUCLA, Colo. – Groups with the Protect the Dolores coalition, including Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center, attended a public listening session in Nucla, Colorado on Sunday hosted by United States Sen. Michael Bennet, to address a community proposal to designate the Dolores River Canyon Country in Mesa and Montrose counties as a national monument. Supporters of the proposal showed their support by wearing blue shirts and speaking in favor of a national monument.

“The Dolores River canyon country must be preserved” said Environment Colorado Research & Policy Center Advocate Henry Stiles. “Not only is this vibrant area crucial to many animal and plant species, it’s a special place that offers unforgettable recreational opportunities and preserves cultural heritage. ” 

The Dolores River canyon is threatened from all sides by the impacts of human activity and climate change. Extreme drought and habitat degradation endanger native plant and animal life such as bald eagles, bighorn sheep and desert flowers. Potential uranium mining operations could leak toxic runoff into the river’s water. The Dolores river is an important tributary to the Colorado River, which supplies water to millions of people in the American west.

“We applaud Senator Bennet for considering this proposal, and hope that he will join the movement to permanently protect the Dolores River Canyon Country in Mesa and Montrose counties for future generations” said Stiles.