Broad support from a diverse group of local stakeholders, bipartisan leadership in Congress and perseverance is how we turned six years of negotiations and a community-supported bill into law. Without any one of these components, permanent protections for the area wouldn’t have been possible. What a great story to be able to share with students here in the Southwest – that when we put forth the effort to work together, find common ground rooted in shared values and work diligently toward a goal, we can be drivers of truly positive change in our community.

As we aim to inspire a new generation of Coloradans to care for our land and for each other, we must remember to share with them successes like Hermosa Creek, which demonstrate the value of collaboration and how by working together, we can triumph over difficulties like partisanship and political difference. On that note, I’d like to thank the countless people in our region who worked together to protect our beautiful backyard, and did so with respect for each other and our town. I’d also like to thank and congratulate Rep. Scott Tipton and Sen. Michael Bennet for their leadership on Hermosa Creek and for supporting our community consensus.

Ashley Carruth

Durango