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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> August 24,2021 <br /> DRMS <br /> To Whom it may concern: <br /> As the owner of Colorado Jeep Tours, Raft Masters,and RoyalGorge.lnfo I firmly oppose the development of <br /> the Zephyr Mine in Fremont County. <br /> My family has been farming and ranching in the Canon City area for four generations and I am a leader in the <br /> local tourism industry. I feel that the proposed mine would have a detrimental impact on the region.The <br /> potential for any number of environmental disasters to the Grape Creek and Temple Canyon area is an <br /> unacceptable risk for the community,future generations, my businesses,and my family's farm and ranch as we <br /> all get our water out of the Arkansas River. <br /> Colorado Jeep Tours'most popular tour,the Royal Gorge Loop, ran more than 3000 clients through Temple <br /> Canyon in the last 12 months allowing our guests from around the world to enjoy the breathtaking views while <br /> peacefully winding their way along the tree lined county road, relishing in the beauty of Grape Creek and <br /> cherishing the opportunity to see a plethora of wildlife in their natural habitat. <br /> Widening and straightening the road to better equip the increased traffic of the haul trucks and other associated <br /> traffic will have a huge negative affect on my jeep tour business and the quality of the tour we offer.The <br /> unknown safety dangers inherent in their plan threaten, not only my jeep tours, but the water safety in both <br /> Grape Creek and the Arkansas River. Rafting on the Arkansas River through Canon City and through the new <br /> whitewater park could also be negatively affected.The City of Canon City and Fremont County have been big <br /> supporters of the whitewater park.Allowing a mining operation in Fremont county like Zephyr seems to be <br /> taking a step backwards based on the work that both Fremont County and the City of Canon City have been <br /> doing in recent years to attract outdoor recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors. <br /> The 2013 Royal Gorge Fire showed us that even a small natural disaster can have a huge effect on our tourism <br /> dollar. If there was a man made mining disaster it could affect our tourism dollar for much longer than the 2013 <br /> fire did.This community stopped a temporary art project proposed by the multi millionaires Christo and Jeanne- <br /> Claude not long ago.This art project was stopped because locals felt that the temporary negative effect on <br /> wildlife and traffic outweighed the windfall that would be made by the local businesses, like mine. If that was <br /> true for a temporary project why would it be okay for a permanent project? <br /> The ownership, staff, and partners of Colorado Jeep Tours, Raft Masters,and RoyalGorge.lnfo once again <br /> adamantly oppose the development of the Zephyr Mine in Fremont County. <br /> Save Fremont County! <br /> Sincerely, <br /> William Colon <br /> Colorado Jeep Tours, Raft Masters,and RoyalGorge.lnfo <br /> Permit Number* <br /> Enter valid letter and then numbers,for example M122112211 or C123456789. <br /> M2021046 <br /> Permitting Action Type <br /> Select revision type or leave blank if comment pertains to a new permit application or NOI <br /> Permit Type <br />