The wilderness moved – and shook – to an urban setting earlier this month when a grassroots coalition called Sportsmen for Browns Canyon showcased its a portion of the Arkansas River as the nation’s . The edgy multi-media display on the facade of the McNichols Building was a far cry from the peace and quiet of Browns Canyon, but it made the point.
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“We just want to keep Browns Canyon the way it is – pristine and wild,” said Kyle Perkins of Trout Unlimited, coordinator of the group. “Our goal with the video event was to visually bring this amazing place to the heart of downtown Denver. We wanted urban residents to experience some of the grandeur and awe of Browns and to support our efforts to protect it for future generations.”
Browns Canyon, on the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida, is a favored spot for hunters, anglers and whitewater rafters who arrive by the thousands to ride the rapids. The rugged granite cliffs and backcountry are also a favorite hangout for elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountain lion and black bear. The canyon section was recently designated as a portion of the longest stretch of Gold Medal trout fishing waters in the state.
Colorado Sen. Mark Udall has introduced legislation that would designate Browns Canyon a national monument and permanently protect the 22,000-acre backcountry area and its current variety of uses, including hiking, camping, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle use, grazing and horseback riding. And the existing hunting and fishing opportunities would remain permanently.
“We’re getting the word out: We have to protect this place or risk losing it,” said Perkins.
