GRAND JUNCTION, Colo.—Colorado Sen. Mark Udall has heard from a number of people who support making the Colorado National Monument a national park, and says he wants more input before he considers sponsoring a bill to make the change.
The Daily Sentinel reports that most of the roughly 300 people at a public meeting Wednesday in Grand Junction appeared to favor reclassifying the monument.
The 32-square-mile site of red-rock monoliths and canyons next to Grand Junction was designated as a monument 100 years ago. Supporters of upgrading it to a national park say it would bring more attention to the site and boost area tourism.
Some speakers Wednesday questioned the impacts of more visitors and the possibility of stricter environmental regulations.
Congress would have to approve reclassifying the site.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel,
