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Consider the impact

I appreciate Nick Foster's report (Today, July 31) on Moffat County's attempt to claim rights of way under RS2477 in order to gain motorized access to roadless areas in Northwest Colorado including Dinosaur National Monument.

While I recognize the commissioners' legitimate desire to develop the economy of Moffat County, I disagree with their proposal on two levels. First, their method of invoking a relic law to assume control of access to public lands flies in the face of Secretary Norton's principles of conservation through cooperation, consultation and communication. Second, their management proposal would open these wildlands to motorized traffic and mineral and oil exploration and threaten the very qualities that draw recreationalists to this special place.

As a resident of Northwest Colorado, I enjoy nonmotorized access to these wildlands for hiking and river rafting. I also am aware of the growing popularity of Northwest Colorado among recreationalists, which means that we must continue the careful management practices now in place to preserve high-quality recreational experiences for all visitors.

As a former exploration geologist, I am aware of the mineral and petroleum resources of the greater Green River Basin. However, motorized recreation and oil field traffic will destroy the very quality of grand solitude that characterizes this area of Northwest Colorado. Such activities will threaten the thin web of life that holds this land together.

The commissioners' road claims are an attempt to bypass sound National Park management policies and practices. I urge our governor and congressional delegation to consider the long-term environmental and policy impacts on our public lands.

Jay Gallagher

Steamboat Springs

Thanks for story

Thank you for the wonderful article about Leisha Epp's and Barb Sanders' experiences dealing with their multiple sclerosis and the positive effect the Heuga Center has had on their lives (Today, July 12).

The Heuga Center's Can Do educational wellness programs are made possible through fund raising generated by the annual Snow Express for M.S. held at resorts across the United States and Canada, including Steamboat. As the center's primary fund-raiser, the 14 Snow Express events raise nearly $1 million annually to help people with this chronic neurological condition and their significant others make positive changes in their lives through consultation with a wide range of health care professionals during the five-day clinic.

The proceeds help people from each community, such as Leisha, Barb and others, attend the Heuga Center by offsetting the total cost of the program for everyone and also by providing scholarships for those with financial need. More than $700,000 has been raised in Steamboat since the event was established in 1986.

In addition, the Steamboat Snow Express contributes a portion of the net proceeds each year to Routt County United Way for its assistance in producing the event. The United Way has received more than $63,000 over the past 18 years.

The Snow Express consists of three-person teams skiing or snowboarding in a marathon or scavenger hunt, and competing in a fun slalom. All ages and skiing/riding abilities are welcome to participate. Fantastic prizes for every team, goodie bags, breakfast, lunch and an awards party make the day exhilarating and memorable.

For more information, call the Heuga Center in Edwards, Colorado at 800-367-3101.

To participate in the Snow Express for M.S. at Steamboat on Sunday, March 7, 2004, call Stacey Kramer at 879-7860.

Stacey Kramer

Steamboat Springs

Offended by ad

I am writing in response to the paid advertisement by the "Citizens to Save Public Land" in last Sunday's edition of the Pilot & Today.

I take offense at the tone and rhetoric of the advertisement, and even the title of this group, as if the volunteers working for the Emerald Mountain Partnership have some sinister plan to "eliminate" our public lands.

These volunteer citizens of the EMP have donated countless hours over the past five years in an exhaustive effort to preserve what is probably the single most significant piece of public land in Routt County, with nothing to gain but the satisfaction of making a historic contribution to the cultural heritage of our community, and this group "Citizens to Save Public Land" pops up a few months ago and calls their tactics "questionable?" What could your motivation be, except to maintain your semi-private, "traditional" use of a small parcel of "our public lands?" Are you really working for what is best for Routt County and future generations?

The fact is there is not another piece of public land in Routt County with more scenic, historic and cultural significance than Emerald Mountain. I went to the EMP web page, www.emeraldmountain.org, and read the history of this piece of land, centered in the heart of Routt County, and was struck by the number of ranches, mostly past and some current, that have had ties to Emerald Mountain. Most of these ranches have been sold to developers, a few have persevered as working ranches over generations, and a few more have been preserved by the hard work and creativity of citizens, such as the Humble Ranch.

The Emerald Mountain Land Exchange presents the best opportunity to preserve the cultural and historic value of this land, the scenic value of the center of our county, the traditional agricultural uses, and improve the recreational opportunities for the vast majority of Routt County citizens, 70 percent of whom live within 10 miles of Emerald Mountain.

Your poorly written column posed many questions too numerous to answer here, and made as many false and misleading statements as if to reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets of this Emerald Mountain Partnership. The EMP meets on a regular basis, all public meetings with ample notice in newspapers, and with public records of each meeting. The group has a Web page, with maps, meeting minutes and information that should answer most questions and can supply facts regarding the proposed land exchange. The nine board members are available by phone or e-mail.

I would urge Routt County residents to learn of the benefits of this proposal, contribute to the management plan and be a part of the process. At the very least get the facts, and don't accept the rhetoric of a group with "questionable" motives.

Michael Loomis

Steamboat Springs