Photo by Xavi Fane
April Mountain Memo E-Newsletter
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Thompson Divide Mineral Withdrawal Approved
We’re excited to share with you that earlier this month Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland approved the Thompson Divide mineral withdrawal, ensuring ~222,000 acres across the Western Slope, including Mt. Emmons, are protected from new mining claims for 20 years.
This withdrawal brings our community one step closer to permanent protection from mining on Red Lady. This summer, with our conservation partners, the Land Trust is expected to close on a conservation easement and mineral extinguishment agreement with the Mt. Emmons Mining Company to forever prohibit mining on Red Lady. The conservation easement is part of the proposed Mt. Emmons Land Exchange, as negotiated in partnership with the US Forest Service, Town of Crested Butte, and Gunnison County, with support from High Country Conservation Advocates and the Coal Creek Watershed Coalition.
We are grateful for the collaborative efforts of committed community advocates, stakeholders, partners, and supporters with the passion and dedication to forever protect Red Lady!
Updates from the Slate River Working Group
Spring has sprung! Warmer days are upon us and that means the Land Trust is gearing up for busy months of land and river stewardship. Our aim is to work with our community around best practices for responsible recreating to protect our neighbors, wetlands, and wildlife habitats.
Last month the Slate River Working Group (SRWG) convened to discuss river-specific management opportunities present in the 10.5-mile stretch of the Upper Slate River, from the Oh-Be-Joyful campground to the Skyland Bridge takeout. The SRWG is made up of 18 stakeholders who work together to address the challenge of integrating the varied needs and desires of many different users along the Slate River through mutually agreed upon, community-driven management solutions.In an effort to protect our local Great Blue Heron rookery during critical nesting times, a voluntary no-float period from now until July 15 on the Upper Slate is in place. This section covers the Slate River from Gunsight Bridge to the Slate River Boat Launch on Pyramid Avenue in town.
Colorado Public Lands Day Bash
Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is throwing a weekend festival on Colorado Public Lands Day, May 17-19. Don’t miss out on the fun at this year’s volunteer work weekend, Beers, Bands, and Barbed Wire Strands! Click here to sign up and enjoy local bands, great prizes, food, and camaraderie in boots-on-the-ground stewardship of your public lands.
Thank you Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers for putting on this impactful community event!
Composting in Gunnison
Check out the new composting program in Gunnison provided through a partnership between Elements Mountain Compost and Mountain Roots Food Project. Subscribers to this new program will have 24-hour access to a compost drop site located on the north wall of City Market in Gunnison.
Click here to learn more.
Partners in Conservation
Here, we highlight fellow organizations and businesses committed to preserving the lands that make our home so special.
Please enjoy the video below highlighting Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. And don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Beers, Bands, and Barbed Wire Strands event.
