Chimney Rock deserves protection
To the editor,
Too often the news is filled with stories about partisan gridlock in Washington and senators blocking progress on just about every front. With that backdrop, it’s refreshing when our elected officials look for positive ways to get things done without concern for political gain. This is what Sen. Michael Bennet is doing in his work to protect Chimney Rock.

The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area is arguably the most important cultural site managed by the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado. I’ve stood at the base of Chimney Rock’s soaring rock spires and gazed across the remains of homes and ceremonial buildings built by ancestral Puebloans more than 1,000 years ago. Chimney Rock is a unique part of the history of the Four Corners and is an important part of our country’s cultural heritage.

Last month at a town hall meeting with the U.S. Forest Service, members of the community, including tribes, businesses, archeologists and local elected officials, expressed clear support for protecting the area as a national monument. Bennet has sponsored legislation to advance protection for the area, but it is being block by partisans in the Senate. Fortunately, Bennet has offered the community another alternative – ask President Obama to use his authority under the Antiquities Act to protect Chimney Rock.

The Antiquities Act was originally passed in order to give the President the ability to rise above the politics of the day and protect public lands that define our history and have irreplaceable cultural, archeological or scientific value. Sixteen presidents of both parties have used the Antiquities Act to protect spectacular places including the Grand Canyon.

Sen. Bennet deserves our thanks for his leadership. I hope President Obama will take action on his request and protect Chimney Rock as a national monument.

– Brian O’Donnell, Durango


Kudos to Brown for stopping sales of bath salts
Dear Editor,
On behalf of substance abuse-prevention providers in Southwest Colorado, I say “hip, hip, hooray!” to Rep. J. Paul Brown for his diligent efforts in sponsoring and pushing through the legislation that makes it illegal to buy or sell the synthetic drug commonly referred to as “bath salts.”

Prior to this law, bath salts were easily and cheaply available on the retail market, labeled or referred to by various misleading terms. Unfortunately, bath salts are part of a constantly changing series of designer drugs. These drugs are created to avoid the provisions of existing drug laws, usually by preparing analogs or derivatives of existing drugs by modifying their chemical structure. Their safety is untested and little if any research has been done on the toxicology or pharmacology of most of these drugs. The recent horrific incident in Miami is believed by law enforcement to be the result of designer drug use.

Policy is an important part of prevention, and when Gov. Hickenlooper signed the bill into law June 7, he took an important step in limiting access to this particular synthetic drug. Policy is one of many prevention strategies, and an effective approach incorporates multiple strategies. We are fortunate to have dedicated community members working on a variety of prevention strategies, including community-based processes, prevention education and alternative activities, as well as policy. For example, the Celebrating Community Norms Coalition supports a wonderfully multi-faceted approach to reducing alcohol, tobacco and other drug use. For more information, please visit www.rsapp.org.

– Cathy Cowles, executive director, Regional Substance Abuse Prevention Partners (RSAPP)


Get into Clean Commute Week
To the editor,
I hope everyone is aware of and will be participating in next week’s Clean Commute Week 2012! Events start the morning of Sat., June 16, with a bike maintenance clinic at the Transit Center and conclude on the evening of Fri., June 22, with celebration at Carver Brewing Co. Other events include the Pedometer Challenge, Pedal vs. Metal, Trails 2000 Corporate Commuter Challenge, Clean Commute breakfast stations (on Wednesday), Love Your Commute Party, and more. We’re looking for nominations for Commuter of the Year so consider nominating someone who is a dedicated or up and coming multi-modal commuter. I am especially jazzed about the Community Forum and Celebration for the soon-to-be completed Multi Modal Transportation Master Plan on Tues., June 19, from 5-7 p.m. at the D&SNGRR Train Museum. This document has been in the works for over three years and represents a multi-modal transportation vision supported by policy objectives, existing conditions and system deficiencies, and proposed improvements. Your comments are still welcome and you can enjoy donated food and beverage while you learn more about the plan’s status.

Plus, there will be free transit Monday - Friday thanks to our sponsors! If you’ve been thinking about changing your commuting habits to be cleaner or are already a diehard multi-modal commuter, I hope you will take advantage of this occasion. It’s a great time of year to get into the habit. For more information on all the events, and to register for your Clean Commute Week Commuter Benefits Card, please visit www.getarounddurango.com.

– Michelle Reott, City of Durango Multi-Modal Advisory


Mergoats gnaw on new resident’s mind
To the editor,
I am a bit shocked and confused regarding a story I read recently in the Soapbox column in the May 31, 2012, edition of the Durango Telegraph.

The story titled, “Mergoat Legend Alive at Navajo,” left me with more questions than answers. I recently purchased a “fixer-up” home on Piñon Hills Drive in Arboles. The realtor never mentioned this particular history of Navajo Lake, which is only a short walk from my property. As I live in Las Vegas, Nev., I’ve only been able to make a couple short trips to that area to look for my retirement home. I thought I had found it.

I do recall one of my soon-to-be neighbors had a couple pygmy goats in his yard but they do not resemble anything remotely similar to the gruesome description of the “mergoats” who caused so much havoc back in 1976.

I would appreciate any additional information you or your readers might be able to impart regarding the safety of the lake and of course, the properties nearby.

I will be sure to read each issue of the Telegraph for any update that might be submitted.
Thank you so much for your time!

– Diann Sandlin, Las Vegas, NV
 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows