GRAND JUNCTION — Changing Colorado National Monument to a national park is still an emotionally charged controversy in neighboring communities. But a Democratic senator and a Republican congressman announced Saturday they are moving forward on the switch by naming a local committee that will draft legislation to create the country’s newest national park.
Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., announced this step forward at an amphitheater in the 102-year-old monument Saturday.
“The Colorado National Monument is one of our state’s most recognizable and stunning public lands. I am proud that Congressman Tipton and I have joined together to form this local executive committee to keep the conversation going on the Colorado National Monument’s future,” Udall said.
“The monument inspires wonder in all who behold the red cliffs, provides opportunities for prosperity in the region, as well as an escape from the rigors of daily life,” Tipton said. He called the committee “the next step toward achieving the best possible outcome for the Monument and people of Mesa County.”
The new committee will follow other committees that were stymied by disagreement in recent years over the issue of whether there was enough local support for the change in status. But the new committee will be dealing with how best to make the change — not if it should happen.
The pro-park side anticipates a jump in tourism and a boost to a struggling Grand Valley economy if the monument becomes a park. Park backers also welcome a drop in confusion: Too many visitors come looking for some sort of stone slab or other “monument” rather than the protected area of red rock spires and scenic canyons between Grand Junction and Fruita.
Opponents of change at the monument argue that it will bring traffic congestion and more government rules dealing with everything from light pollution to air quality that could affect nearby subdivisions. There are also fears that the monument’s Rimrock Drive could be shut down as a commuter route for the residents of the Glade Park community that lies on a high-desert plateau above the monument.
The idea of having a local committee draft legislation rather than someone in Washington, D.C., is designed to address those local concerns and make a new park a good fit for the area.
Nancy Lofholm: 970-256-1957, nlofholm@denverpost.com or
