Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Readers can also help by demanding from our community <br />leaders the establishment of effective local policies for <br />the protection of our mountain backdrop. <br />Most of us are very proud of our natural setting in Colorado <br />Springs but embarrassed by the fact we have done nothing to <br />contain the growing number and size of mining scars along <br />our visible front yard. As a community we seem to be <br />immobilized by the issue. "The 1974 Court decision took <br />our power away" or "The MLRB is in the pocket of mining <br />interests" or "It's not in my jurisdiction." It is almost <br />like we don't want to take responsibility for an issue this <br />important and so we find ways to shift the blame. <br />Our local business and political leadership seems very <br />fractured on the issue. A resolution adopted by the <br />Colorado Springs City Council (on a split vote) resulted in <br />paralysis on the issue instead of any kind of followup. The <br />Board of County Commissioners did meet with the MLRB staff <br />and adopted a very helpful resolution. But their level of <br />interest appears very measured. I have talked to major <br />developers and other business leaders who say they are <br />outraged by the scar and are with us in spirit. But they <br />have not, to my knowledge, made any commitments. <br />it's ironic for our Economic Development Council to be <br />debating financial incentives while one of our most <br />important economic development assets, the mountain <br />backdrop, is up for grabs. Enhancing the qualities that <br />make our community special for residents, visitors and <br />employers is an important economic development strategy that <br />would have broad and enthusiastic community support. I can <br />think of no better way to begin than with a letter to the <br />MLRB. <br />If you want to know what else can be done locally, we only <br />have to look to other urban areas in Colorado who are <br />addressing similar issues. Some ideas we might pursue <br />follow. <br />Initiate a cooperative planning program for our <br />mountain backdrop. Funding and participation should be <br />derived from many of the agencies listed above <br />including the City Water Department, City and County <br />Park Departments, the U.S. Forest Service, Colorado <br />Department of Wildlife, and local community and private <br />interests. <br />Begin a rewrite of the County Mineral Extraction Plan <br />so that it will provide needed policy guidance. <br />Prepare a management plan for the backdrop area <br />including City watersheds which can be made available <br />for recreational use. <br />