By Cody Davis and Sue Hansen | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The Dolores River is a hidden gem nestled against the Rocky Mountains, and has long been cherished by Coloradans — from ranchers and grazers to recreationists and sightseers — who have enjoyed its pristine beauty and breathtaking views.
For decades, local residents have successfully stewarded and protected these lands, proving that conservation thrives under local care and control. However, as we’ve seen elsewhere in Colorado, National Monument designations often shift decision-making from West Slope communities to Washington, D.C., bureaucrats. We believe there’s a better way forward.
In recent weeks, there’s been a lot of conversation about the future of the Dolores River and whether a National Conservation Area (NCA) or National Monument is the best path forward. As commissioners from Mesa and Montrose Counties, we want to address some of the misunderstandings circulating and provide clarity about why we’ve chosen to pursue an NCA — and why it’s the best choice for protecting our community’s rights and way of life.
A proactive solution for the future
Simply leaving things as they are is not a realistic long-term solution. The threat of a National Monument designation will always remain, especially under future political changes.
The next time the federal government revisits the Dolores River, we could lose the opportunity to have a meaningful say in how the land is managed.
That’s why we are pursuing an NCA: so locals can participate and ensure that decisions about the land reflect the needs and values of our local communities. An NCA allows us to craft protections that align with what local communities can support — not what is handed down from a distant federal process. This is about being proactive and securing a solution that protects existing uses while preserving local input.
A transparent and collaborative process
There have been questions about the process behind this effort. Let us be clear: this has not been done behind closed doors.
Earlier this year, a working group was formed to quickly address the potential for a monument designation. The group includes representatives from across our communities:
- Ranchers and agricultural producers.
- Mining stakeholders.
- Public lands experts.
- Residents of Gateway and the West End.
While this group supports an NCA as the best path forward, it has been open and transparent at every step. Since March, we’ve held public meetings, conducted field tours and created opportunities for comment and engagement on our website. This has been a collaborative process from the beginning, ensuring that all voices are heard.
Why an NCA is the best path
An NCA gives us the ability to shape protections that meet the needs of our communities — on our terms. It ensures existing rights and uses are safeguarded, including:
- Grazing rights.
- Road access.
- Mining and energy production.
- Recreation, hunting and fishing.
- Protection of water rights and usage.
- Fire mitigation for local residents.
Most importantly, it allows us to protect these rights and uses through local input and thoughtful legislation, ensuring that the Dolores River remains a vital part of our community for generations to come.
The risks of doing nothing
We understand why some may be cautious about federal designations. But the alternative — doing nothing — leaves the future of the Dolores River at risk. A National Monument could be imposed without our input, bringing restrictions that fail to reflect the realities of those who live and work here.
An NCA offers the opportunity to protect our history and livelihoods while ensuring the Dolores River continues to support local needs. It’s a solution that balances conservation with community priorities.
A call to action
The Dolores River has been cared for and conserved by those who live and work in this area for generations. Now is our chance to build on that legacy with an NCA that secures local control, protects existing uses, and ensures a future we can all support.
We urge everyone to look beyond soundbites and social media posts. This process has been open and collaborative from the start. If you have concerns, reach out. Attend meetings. Share your input. Together, we can create a future for the Dolores River that reflects the values and needs of our community.
Cody Davis is a Mesa County commissioner. Sue Hansen is a Montrose County commissioner.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.