Editor:
My family has been living in and exploring this valley for more than 15 years.
We love taking advantage of the opportunities to enjoy the beautiful spaces near our home in the Roaring Fork Valley and the Colorado River Basin throughout all seasons. From skiing in the winter, and camping in the summer to sightseeing in the fall, we always enjoy being outdoors.
A recent opportunity with nonprofit EcoFlight allowed us to view many of the places we visit from the air in a small plane. The flight gave us a unique perspective and reminded us of the importance of protecting the land we call home.
We were saddened to see numerous oil sites and their water waste containers covering a vast majority of land. This emphasized the need for us to advocate as residents of this valley to limit the development of more land to the oil and gas industry. As parents and residents who love the valley we live in, it’s important to work to protect the beautiful place we call home.
One great opportunity is happening. Western Colorado Alliance, Defiende Nuestra Tierra and Wilderness Workshop hosted two free comment-writing workshops to help protect local public lands. The workshops focused on how the public can give their opinion on a new draft land management plan that affects nearly 2 million acres of Bureau of Land Management land in western Colorado. The workshops were held on Oct. 18.
Melvin Ramos
Glenwood Springs