As a proud member of the Colorado chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and a proponent of the Sportsmen for the Dolores coalition, I am writing to voice my strong support for the designation of the Dolores Canyons as a national monument.
Our connection to the outdoors is rooted in long-standing traditions of hunting, fishing, and exploring the wild places that define Colorado. For my family and community, these activities are more than hobbies; they are how we instill values like responsibility, ethical behavior, good sportsmanship, conservation and care for the landscapes we cherish.
The Dolores Canyon Country holds a special place in our hearts. It is a prime habitat for deer, elk and desert bighorn sheep. Despite its rich biodiversity, this landscape remains the largest stretch of unprotected public lands in Colorado. Like many areas in the West, the Dolores faces mounting pressures from population growth, unmanaged recreation,and development.
The threat of losing these wild landscapes looms large.
As hunters and anglers, we recognize the urgent need for conservation. A national monument designation for the Dolores Canyons would be a crucial step. Such protection would safeguard wildlife habitat, while ensuring public access for hunting and fishing. We’ve seen the positive impact of national monument designations in Colorado, such as the Browns Canyon National Monument along the Arkansas River.
This designation revitalized waters once polluted by acid mine runoff, transforming them into Gold Medal trout habitat. The Dolores River, a significant tributary to the Colorado River, benefits some 40 million Americans downstream. Designating the Dolores as a national monument would extend these benefits far beyond the local area. and the hunting and fishing community.
In Montrose and Mesa counties, a national monument designation for the Dolores Canyons would not only protect public lands but also boost the local economy. It ensures that future generations of hunters and anglers can enjoy this national treasure.
Our responsibility is clear: Just as previous generations stood up to protect these wild places, it’s now our turn as hunters, anglers and conservationists to ensure that the wild places we love endure for generations to come.
Let’s rally behind the Sportsmen for The Dolores coalition and the national monument designation for the Dolores Canyons.Join me in urging our elected leaders to safeguard this vital landscape. You can also get involved by commenting on the proposed monument at https://www.sportsmenforthedolores.org/#get-involved.
Collin Hildebrand of Grand Junction is a sportsman, bird hunter, dog trainer, and conservationist.
