Soapbox - Durango Telegraph

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Under the wire on Animas

Letter to the Editors:

Just a reminder that comments on the fuels reduction proposal for Animas Mountain has a deadline: tomorrow. No worries, as long as you’re not currently gripping a four-page to-do list of things to get done in the next 24 hours. A June 15 received-time-and-date on e-mailed comments will get you under the wire. Send your questions and comments to Craig Goodell, Assistant Fire Management officer, Columbine Ranger District Field Office, San Juan National Forest - San Juan BLM, cgoodell@fs.fed.us. If you need to review the proposal and alternatives, contact Craig Goodell, 884-1430, or e-mail him pronto.

– Nancy C. Jacques, Durango

Troubled by plans for Animas

Dear Editors,

I have serious concerns about the proposed BLM fuels-reduction project on Animas City Mountain. Is this really necessary? Much of the area is lovely, mature ponderosa pine forest with open meadows interspersed with groups of trees. What effect will this have on wildlife and other plant species? Is the proposed hydro-ax really necessary? The entire southern section, which contains the thickest vegetation and steepest slopes, could be hand-thinned for less money ($336,146) than using the hydro-ax on the whole area ($356,402) according to estimates from the BLM. Upgrading the old road for the hydro-ax is a complex proposition. Who assumes the liability for possible damage to the houses below during the project and for years to come? How feasible is it to cut and fill to widen road? Will fills really hold for the 50,000 pound hydro-ax? Will cuts create erosion and landslide potential from disturbance of existing slopes? What is the amount of traffic envisioned for this road (2 hydro-axes, support vehicles, gasoline and parts transported, workers, etc.)?

There are serious safety issues during the construction of the road and throughout the project. What about future erosion after the disturbance of the unstable areas with homes directly below? Is it really possible to rehabilitate this road given the rocky and steep slopes? How will the fill be removed and vegetation replaced below the road?

Overall, this project has many problems, and I believe the hand-thinning option should be seriously considered by the BLM, and the City Council should not approve any agreements without extensive study, legal advice and public input.

I urge you to think about these issues and submit comments to the BLM at cgoodell@fs.fed.us by Fri., June 15. Also please make Durango city councilors aware of your concerns whether you live in the City of Durango or not.

– Sandy Burke, Durango

Ripe for recruitment

Telegraph,

I do agree with your “thumbs down” to military recruiters cruising Main for new recruits in the May 31 issue. However, have you seen the jackasses that wave flags and claim they are “pro war” on Friday afternoons on Main Avenue? These morons recently berated my friend and showered him with homophobic and racial slurs. My friend is a vet of the first Gulf War who saw combat! Is insulting him patriotism? Is insulting him supporting your country? Did they attempt to show up on Memorial Day to honor fallen U.S. soldiers? Hell no. So I suggest this: Army Recruiters, these are your people. Go get them. If they are so supportive of the war, MAKE THEM FIGHT. Maybe the military will turn these assholes (if they survive combat) into something their parents would be proud of.

– Bryant Liggett, via e-mail

To the one who jacked my sk8

Dear Editors,