President Barack Obama plans to designate the Browns Canyon National Monument in Colorado on Thursday. Browns Canyon is near Salida.
“This designation will provide permanent protection that is long overdue for this incredible area,” Keith Baker, Executive Director of Friends of Browns Canyon, said. “Residents and visitors to Chaffee County have always understood that Browns Canyon is a national treasure. The national monument designation is supported by hunters and anglers, businesses and conservation groups, veterans and youth groups.”
A broad cross-section of local groups and businesses have supported the national monument designation for Browns Canyon, including the Colorado and Arkansas River Outfitters Associations, Chaffee County Visitors Bureau, the Salida Business Alliance, sportsmen, youth, faith, veterans and Hispanic groups, local businesses and county commissioners. Recent polling from the Colorado College showed that 96 percent of Coloradans support the protection and conservation of natural areas. As of right now, Browns Canyon says there “will not be a charge for visitors under national monument status.”
“Browns Canyon is intricately connected to the fabric of our communities and is key to our quality of life,” Joel Benson, Mayor of Buena Vista, said. “The Browns Canyon National Monument will also boost local economic vitality via increased visitation and awareness of Buena Vista and Chaffee County. As a father and a business owner, I welcome this monument designation because it ensures that this irreplaceable location will be permanently protected for the well-being of our community, our local economy, and our children.”