The only trout native to the rivers and streams of the Western Slope are Colorado River cutthroat trout. Settlement of the west in the mid-to-late 1800s, along with mining, logging and over-harvest almost completely wiped out our native trout. Today, cutthroat trout only inhabit about 10 percent of their original historic range, and much of that requires a mountain-goat mentality to find them. Thankfully, there is a place nearby with easy access that retains these scarce and beloved trout. Once again, that’s Hermosa Creek.

A bill currently working its way through Congress, the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act, would permanently protect a home for our native cutthroat trout. Hunters and fishermen have come together with the broader outdoor recreation community to craft legislation that every Hermosa user group can get behind. The Hermosa Creek bill is supported by mountain bikers, hikers, campers, off-highway vehicle riders, horsemen, Jeepers, backcountry skiers and the lot. Furthermore, our county commissioners and City Council support the bill, as do miners, water developers and more than 150 Durango businesses. This bill was crafted in the spirit of community where everyone dropped their armor, ideology and mistrust to find common ground with people they usually wouldn’t. Congress should do the same thing. Hermosa Creek has no room for party politics or D.C. rhetoric. Rep. Scott Tipton and Sen. Michael Bennet should make Hermosa Creek a priority and get it done!

Cole Glenn

Durango