Save the San Juans’ solitude

To the editor and greater community,

Recently there has been some turmoil around Silverton regarding the helicopter terrain proposal brought to the BLM by Silverton Mountain Guides. I apologize to anyone I have offended. This is by no means a fight against Silverton Mountain or heli skiing for that matter. This is a fight for our public lands and the peace and quiet people from all over enjoy between here and Howardsville.  

During the County Commissioners meeting on Feb. 10, Silverton Mountain had an issue on the agenda. They used this opportunity to bring their employees before the commissioners to ask that they go to the BLM and request that the permitting process be expedited.  The commissioners agreed to this, which nearly went unnoticed.  I feel the commissioners’ word is strong and that the voice of opposition should be heard as well by the BLM. 

I started a petition that asks for governing bodies to hold off on moving forward with the proposal. Many people have signed it, I believe I am on my way to at least 100. What is disappointing is the amount of people that feel they cannot put their name on it. They have expressed appreciation for what I am doing but are scared of repercussions. Fear of repercussions for standing up for public land is disappointing. There have been various reasons, some astounding, but in order to not compromise their identity, I will leave it as this.

If you are not aware of what they are proposing here is the summary. Silverton Mountain wants to discard some of its current terrain by Cinnamon pass and the Animas Forks area for terrain east of Howardsville. Minnie, Maggie and Cunningham would all be included as well as the northwest side of King Salomon Mountain, the slide paths that come down to the Animas River. The only significant area not included in this zone would be the south side of Galena, by the Old One Hundred Boarding House. Silverton Mountain wants to fly helicopters in a prime winter outdoor recreation space.

I hope that in 10 or 15 years we can look back at this decision and be grateful that the experience on our public lands was not compromised in order to allow the minute portion of the population who can heli ski to do so. Many things are compromised in the name of economy and jobs. The potential of some extra work for a few people should not lead to giving up our air space. Please encourage Silverton Mountain to continue to operate in its existing permit area. Send comments to Jeff Chritenson, jchritenson@ blm.gov, and Connie Clementson, cclementson@ blm.gov.

Thank you for your time, and your interest in preserving a quiet experience on your lands.

– Respectfully, Stephen Mead, Silverton

Vets urged to sign up for VA care

To the editor,

This is a request directed to all veterans, regardless of time in service or rank, to help your fellow comrades in need of health care by reducing the wait time for VA medical services.

The Veterans Administration assigns doctors to their Contract Based Outpatient Clinics, or CBOC, according to the number of veterans being served. The Southwest Colorado Clinic is about 400 veterans short of having a second doctor assigned. The clinic, at 1979 East Third Ave., in Durango (247-2214), has one doctor, Luke Casias. We are extremely fortunate to have a doctor not only of his caliber, but also with his concern for veterans. He also gives generously of his personal time to assist veterans in other ways. He is frustrated knowing that the clinic could significantly cut down on wait times for 2,000 patients and respond quicker to other situations if only a few hundred more veterans would enroll for VA health care. We know the number of veterans needed are here!

The Durango clinic also serves veterans from New Mexico. I, like most veterans, secured employment after service that provides a health care plan that also carries over into retirement and never considered the VA. I believed others needed it more than I and did not apply. This may have been true before the CBOC concept, but no longer is. Actually, the opposite is true.

Not signing up immediately after leaving the service is a detriment to vets who need this care. Enrolling merely means you are eligible. You do not need to use the VA health care. At worst, should the unexpected happen, you know you have this coverage. This “backup” would also lessen the burden on your family.

The reason for enrolling in the program is that it helps the VA determine how many doctors are needed to treat the population of veterans in the area. The only way the VA can determine how many veterans live in an area is to search a clinic’s records for the number of veterans regionally signed up for certain VA programs.

Please, no matter what your health care circumstance, no matter what your rank, enroll in the VA system. You will be helping fellow veterans in dire need of access to our local clinic. This will significantly reduce the wait time for appointments and other services. If you write to me or visit the VFW Post 4031, 1550 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301, and provide your address, I will send you the form to fill out with a stamped return envelope so you can apply. Please pass this on.

To fill out the application, include your DD-214 or other evidence of service. No intermediary is involved, protecting confidentiality. No financial information is required other than what is on file with the IRS tax information used. The VA will respond with a letter assigning a priority classification from one to nine with an explanation of what you are eligible for. If you need a copy of your service record, I can help with that.

– Fred Riedinger, VFW service officer and former La Plata County Veteran Service Officer

Legislative Lowdown Saturday

To the editor,

The League of Women Voters of La Plata County is presenting its annual Legislative Lowdown this year at 9 a.m., March 5, at the Durango Recreation Center. We invite everyone in La Plata County to attend to hear your elected legislators, Sen. Ellen Roberts and Rep. J. Paul Brown, discuss what they expect from the Colorado Legislature in this session and what their priorities are. Sen. Roberts and Rep. Brown will then take written questions from the audience. 

  We hope to see many of you, with your questions, at the Lowdown on Sat., March 5, 9 a.m.

– Nadine Ancel, League of Women Voters, La Plata County