‘No compromise’

In 1971, the 10,000-acre Perins Peak State Wildlife Area was bought and set aside for species including peregrine falcons, deer, elk, bears, bobcats and songbirds. From November through July, the area is closed to all human travel to facilitate pristine wintering grounds. Despite its proximity to Durango, the area is considered prime low-elevation habitat. The most vocal opponents of extending the Colorado Trail into Durango maintain that it would fragment this habitat, and they have forward a stance of “no compromise.” Renee Parsons, of the Coalition to Save Perins Peak, vigorously opposes the trail extension for one reason: “wildlife, wildlife, wildlife.”

The coalition contends that the trail would bring as many as 30,000 people a year through the area, cut through habitat and displace wildlife, even along its edge. “The trail looks to be benign,” says Parsons. “But as any biologist would tell you, this is habitat fragmentation.”

Jan Holt, of the coalition, concurs. “There can be no compromise,” she said. “If the land is swapped, it’s a lose/lose for wildlife. You’re just designating another area that already has wildlife as wildlife habitat. It’s not a logical excuse.”

Speaking to the pristine nature of the area, Parsons noted that 136 species of songbirds have been identified in the wildlife area. “That’s almost 20 percent of the national total,” she says. “That, to us, is a real metaphor for how pristine Perins is. Songbirds are taking the biggest hit in the mass-extinction cycle that’s under way now.”

And while Parsons and Holt acknowledge that the area is open to hunting, Parsons notes that “the number of hunters who go in there is miniscule compared to 30,000 hikers and bikers.”

Ulterior motives?

Parsons and Holt argue that there might be other motives at work on the part specifically of Trails 2000. “With approximately 600 miles of trails in La Plata County, the only justification we can see is self interest, whether it be economic or otherwise,” says Parsons.

Holt adds: “This is such a no-brainer as far as we’re concerned. There are already so many trails to hike and bike on.”

Holt goes on to say that she feels Trails 2000 has had its eye on the wildlife area for years, not simply for a Colorado Trail extension but as a new area for a trails network. She concludes by saying: “It’s not like there’s a trail in the forest that we’re trying to take away. This should remain a protected area. That’s why it was purchased.”

Parsons adds that the sanctity of the Perins Peak State Wildlife Area is particularly important in light of the degradation of other areas of La Plata County. “We feel this has really tapped a nerve with the public, especially those who’ve been here for a long while and seen us lose herds of elk,” she said. “We’ve all seen the plight of the bear.

“The immediate gratification of a few backpackers and bikers can’t be bought at the price of Perins Peak.”

Trails 2000 reacts to these concerns with an apparently conciliatory tone. “The reality is, we understand those concerns,” says Crites. “We’re trying to skirt (the trail) and have it as close to town and as far away from the heart of the wildlife area as possible.”

Manning adds that in his opinion, wildlife and trails are not in opposition.

"Generally, trails and wildlife seem to coexist pretty well, which of course is something that we all observe,” he says. “I see wildlife from trails all the time.”