Hispanic clergy: Protect Browns Canyon in Colorado

This week, the U.S. Senate is expected to hold a hearing on providing permanent protection for Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River. As pastors, we want to see our public lands protected -- we have a moral obligation to do so. We also see the need for Congress and the White House have an opportunity to work with the faith community and others throughout Colorado. Last month, President Obama protected the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument near Las Cruces, N.M. These lands are significant to Hispanics because of our history with these lands, and because our families today can access and enjoy them. Fortunately for Colorado, President Obama said, "I'm not finished." Protecting Browns Canyon would ensure these public lands near Salida are protected from mining and other energy development, while providing a boost in economic benefit from recreation and tourism for nearby communities. We've been to Browns Canyon and can vouch for the beauty of the place. In fact, we'll be taking dozens of our youth to Browns Canyon for camping and whitewater rafting later this month as part of Latino Conservation Action Week. Late last year, Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., unveiled a proposal to protect Browns Canyon as a national monument...more 

Looks like the same formula they used in Las Cruces to get the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument.  They ran into a little hitch here though when the Las Cruces Hispano Chamber of Commerce came out in strong opposition to the enviros proposal.  That didn't stop the big green machine from rolling on.  If the Hispanics are for it, great.  If not, well that's just too damn bad.