The Hermosa Watershed is one such area. Comprising 108,000 acres of public land northwest of Durango, this area is revered for its clean water, wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, hunting, hiking and fishing. The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act was introduced by Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Scott Tipton. The act was based on recommendations of the Hermosa Creek Workgroup – a diverse group representing local governmental and tribal entities, ranchers, conservationists, the gas and oil industry and recreation advocates.

It took six years to arrive at a consensus – six years of hard work. Two days before the act was scheduled to be voted on by the House Committee on Natural Resources, changes were introduced that compromise the original bill and allow for roads, electricity transmission lines, possibly a reservoir and allowing gas and oil drilling and mining operations! Not exactly a wilderness protection agenda! Rep. Tipton and Sen. Bennet are working hard to restore the original language and honor our community consensus.

Thanks to them both for standing up to out-of-touch House committee members. Hermosa Creek has a huge amount of community support, protecting wilderness helps protect the climate and taking care of our public lands is good for our local economy. This land is our land. Let’s see it gets the protection it deserves.

Fiona King

Cortez