Layne Rigney of Osprey Packs shares my sentiment when it comes to the enormous benefits the Colorado Outdoor Recreation and Economy (CORE) Act would bring to Southwest Colorado, including San Miguel County (“These wild land protections are good for business,” Feb. 7).
As mayor of Ophir, I know first-hand how much our region relies on our spectacular wildlands and mountain terrain to boost our county’s economy. It does this by helping to attract solid businesses, like Osprey, and hosting hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. Tourist travel alone contributed some $318 million to Miguel County in 2017, according to a recent Colorado Tourism Office report.
The CORE Act, which enjoys the broad support of Colorado business owners, civic leaders, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, conservationists and others, is the most substantial effort in decades to permanently protect Colorado’s most cherished lands.
In Ophir, we are fortunate to live in the midst of spectacular landscapes that the CORE Act would protect. Among these are our iconic Lizard Head and Mt. Sneffels wilderness areas, and designated lands surrounding McKenna Peak. The legislation would also preserve for future generations that which Ophir residents hold dear – our quality of life, clean water, ample wildlife and unsurpassed recreational opportunities.
We applaud Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Joe Neguse for introducing this important Colorado legislation. Now it’s time for Sen. Cory Gardner and Rep. Scott Tipton to back passage of the CORE Act for the benefit of all Coloradans.
Corinne Platt
Ophir