Colo. group pushing to make Grand Canyon a national monument

A state environmental group took to the streets in Colorado Springs on Wednesday to raise awareness on the problems affecting a major landmark.

“Environment Colorado” is trying to urge President Obama to protect land around the Grand Canyon by making the tourist spot a heritage national monument.

A national monument would permanently protect the area.

The organization says 1.7 million acres around the Canyon are currently threatened by debris generated from logging and mining companies.

And it’s not just affecting humans.

“This certainly is a threat to the canyon, to the endangered wildlife… the endangered condor and many unique condor… big horn sheep… other animals that are native to this area that this mining is threatening,” said Becca Houske, Environment Colorado organizers.

Organizers say they plan to have more rallies in the future.