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Comment/Objection Narrative* <br /> I am a local father of three and all of my children have graduated from Canon City High School and have gone <br /> on to graduate from the CSU system here in Colorado. I am the single largest commercial river outfitter in <br /> Colorado and we are based in Canon City, Colorado. This is my 35th season on the Arkansas River and I have <br /> chaired the Colorado River Outfitters Association as well as the Arkansas River Outfitters Association. My <br /> knowledge and expertise on this river and in this region are based on being a local whose profession is <br /> understanding this region from many different perspectives. As the current Chairman of the State of Colorado's <br /> Wildlife Council,we spend$1.50 of each hunting and fishing license sold in Colorado to advocate for the value <br /> of wildlife, habitat,and recreation,specifically hunting and fishing. My volunteer tenure as a founding member <br /> of the Fremont County Tourism Council and past President,as well as eight years on the Colorado Springs <br /> Convention and Visitors Bureau with four years as Chairman, helps me to understand the interplay between <br /> Canon City,residents,visitors,commerce,aesthetics and the vision of how we see ourselves and the course <br /> we desire to pursue over the coming years. <br /> My business employs twelve full-time year-round employees(FTE's),six year-round part-time employees <br /> (PTE's),and over 140 seasonal full-time employees,and I have done this for decades. I am a primary job <br /> provider with arguably the highest caliber lodging property in Fremont County via our Royal Gorge Cabins. Our <br /> full-service patio restaurant,the 8 Mile Bar&Grill,is a local favorite and my Echo Canyon River Expeditions <br /> operation will accommodate 32,000 visitors to Fremont County and Canon City in 2021. We are the largest <br /> local reseller of train tickets for the Royal Gorge Route Railroad and I own the federally registered trademark for <br /> Raft-n-Rail. We are the largest local reseller of tickets to the Royal Gorge Bridge and I have worked hand in <br /> hand with these two operators for decades. <br /> Our community has a long history with extractive economies. My home is on Sand Creek and I am mailed an <br /> annual report on the results of the Cotter Superfund Site as my home is downstream by about one mile. This is <br /> provided by Legacy Lands and has to do with water quality specifically, my address is part of this submission. <br /> My story is not unique and many others continue to experience the legacy I am referring to. Long story short, <br /> the juice is simply not worth the squeeze,and this mining operation is not desired by those of us who call this <br /> place"home". I cannot fault businesses for seeking to better themselves but the real cost of this endeavor goes <br /> well beyond the mining operation itself and is passed on to the larger community. The economic argument for <br /> this operation does not acknowledge the impact on the region,water quality,tourism, proximity to homes, <br /> businesses,and our community. <br /> I would urge you to deny this application and I look forward to a constructive conversation. I am happy to <br /> comment and participate if given the opportunity. <br /> Regards, <br /> Andy Neinas <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 /> County <br /> Fremont <br /> Enter one county only <br /> Site Name <br /> Dawson Gold Mine <br /> Perm ittee/Operator Name <br /> Zephyr Gold USA Ltd <br /> ADDITIONAL INFORMATION <br />