Browns Canyon to be named national monument
The White House announced Wednesday that President Barack Obama will name Browns Canyon, near Buena Vista, a national monument.
“This designation will provide permanent protection that is long overdue for this incredible area. Residents and visitors to Chaffee County have always understood that Browns Canyon is a national treasure,” said Keith Baker, Executive Director of Friends of Browns Canyon. “The national monument designation is supported by hunters and anglers, businesses and conservation groups, veterans and youth groups”, he said.
Browns Canyon is located off of Highway 24 about seven miles south of Buena Vista.
The Friends of Browns Canyon group says on its web site that the stretch of the Arkansas River that runs through the canyon is one of the most popular destinations in the nation for whitewater enthusiasts.
The Colorado River Outfitters Association says that commercial rafting on the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon brings roughly $60 million into the local economy.
“Browns Canyon is intricately connected to the fabric of our communities and is key to our quality of life. The Browns Canyon National Monument will also boost local economic vitality via increased visitation and awareness of Buena Vista and Chaffee County,” stated Joel Benson, Mayor of Buena Vista. “As a father and a business owner, I welcome this monument designation because it ensures that this irreplaceable location will be permanently protected for the well-being of our community, our local economy, and our children.”
David Leinweber, owner of Angler’s Covey in Colorado Springs, has been a proponent of the designation for about a decade.
“I think the reason why we all wanted this to happen is to get the extra protection to know that Browns Canyon is protected,” Leinweber said. “The reason why it’s so special is because there is no roads in Browns Canyon. There’s very few trails.”
Leinweber said the national monument distinction will do more than just protect the land.
“It’ll be a draw for tourism,” Leinweber said. “It’ll be another button tourists will be able to buy and put on their hat and I think that’s good for Colorado.”
But Congressman Doug Lamborn of the 5th congressional district called the designation a “big government land grab,” arguing the move could hurt the canyon financially.
“The president’s actions are outrageous. He’s using executive orders to circumvent congress and the people’s representatives. He shouldn’t be doing this,” Lamborn told KRDO NewsChannel 13. “When a president declares a national monument by Fiat and is not part of a national parks system, it really becomes an orphan.”
The national monument designation will become official on Thursday. Senator Michael Bennet says the president will use his authority under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to make the designation.
