the open letter - Conservation CO

April 20, 2015
Subject: Oppose efforts to transfer control of national public lands
Dear CO State Senators and Representatives,
We, the undersigned businesses, urge you to oppose legislative efforts to transfer or sell off Colorado’s
national public lands. Public lands are a major driver of our outdoor recreation and tourism economy
in Colorado, which generates over $13 billion in spending a year and supports over 122,000 jobs. The
huge cost to the state of managing these lands would lead to greatly increased development and a loss
of access that would put our businesses at risk, damage our economy, and diminish our uniquely
Coloradan way of life.
Access to public lands draws locals and travelers alike into our businesses while helping us attract and
keep good employees. Over 70% of Colorado voters - including us- agree that tourism and outdoor
recreation is an important part of our economy, and know that our public lands belong to all
Americans, not just Colorado. Public land seizures and the resulting closures would not only hurt our
businesses, but also deny Americans our shared heritage and identity by locking us out of our most
treasured landscapes.
For the above reasons, we urge you to oppose any legislative action to transfer or sell off our national
public lands to the state or private interests. These lands belong to all of us, and are crucial to the
success and growth of our businesses.
Sincerely,
Osprey Packs, Cortez
Venture Snowboards, Silverton
LOKI, Grand Junction
Wagner Skis, Placerville
Mountain Khakis, Grand Junction
Jackson’s Office Supply, Craig
Tracks & Trails, Grand Junction
Antonelli’s Advanced Automotive, Grand
Junction
Boneshaker Adventures, Grand Junction
Rapid Creek Cycles, Palisade
Big City Mountaineers, Golden
Grand Valley Books, Grand Junction
Alternative Power Inc., Ouray
Desert Rat Tours, Grand Junction
Rimrock Adventures, Fruita
Confluence Casting, Glenwood Springs
Aspen Ski Company, Aspen
San Juan Mountain Guides, Ouray
Sea to Summit, Boulder
Cascade Bicycles, Montrose
Kling Mountain Guides, Durango
Calicurra Outfitters, Craig
Peak Mountain Guides, Ouray
D’vorak Expeditions, Nathrop
Wilderness Aware Rafting, Buena Vista
Arkansas River Tours, Cotopaxi
American Adventure Expeditions, Canon City
Ragged Mountain Sports, Carbondale
Steamboat PowderCats, Steamboat Springs
Telluride Outside, Telluride
Backcountry Experience, Durango
Steamboat Flyfisher, Steamboat Springs
Front Range Anglers, Boulder
Adventure Bound River Expeditions, Grand
Junction
The Rock Lounge, Durango
Durango Mountain Bike Camp, Durango
Colorado Mesa University Outdoor Program,
Grand Junction
2nd Ave Sports, Durango
Red Coyote Adventures, Craig
Mountain Bike Specialists, Durango
RIGS Adventure Co, Ridgeway
Pine Needle Mountaineering, Durango
Ecoflight, Aspen
Pedal the Peaks Inc., Durango
5Point Film Festival, Carbondale
Mile Hi Rafting, Lawson
Durango Outdoor Exchange, Durango
Velorution Cycles, Durango
Hassle Free Sports, Durango
Rivers Clothing Company, Frisco
KODI Rafting, Frisco
Kokopelli Bike and Board, Cortez
Mountain and Desert Racing, Grand Junction
Rig to Flip, Steamboat Springs
Backdoor Sports, Steamboat Springs
Environmental Learning for Kids, Denver
Mountain Roots Produce, Mancos
Verde Brand Communications, Durango
Bedrock Bags, Durango
Durango Cyclery, Durango
Riggs Adventure Company, Ouray
Confluence Casting LLC, Glenwood Springs
Yoga Durango, Durango
Alex Pullen Photography, Durango
Law Offices of Brad Junge, Grand Junction
Carver Brewing Co, Durango
Fort Lewis College Environmental Center,
Durango
All Metals Welding, Grand Junction
Mesa Park Vineyards, Palisade
Wildlife Management Consultants, Grand
Junction
Bill Wagner’s Fine Properties, Grand Junction
Color Creek-Fiber Arts, Grand Junction
High Noon Solar, Grand Junction
Laughing Dog Coffee House, Grand Junction
Loma Wax Company, Grand Junction
Wagon Wheel Liquors, Durango
Osteopathic Center of the Four Corners,
Durango
Baron’s, Grand Junction
Comcast Spotlight, Durango
Ciavonne, Roberts & Assocs. Inc, Grand Junction
Cream Bean Berry, Durango
Cyprus Cafe, Durango
ENO, Durango
Durango Illustration & Design, Durango
Sassy Q’s Gourmet Ice Pops, Grand Junction
Skyway Auto, Inc., Durango
Smiley Cafe, Durango
The Marketing Department, Durango
Palisade Brewing Company, Palisade
Hog Island Boat Works, Steamboat Springs
Environmental Documentary Video, Silverton
Tree Climbing Colorado LLC., Denver
Durango Natural Foods Co-op, Durango
Health Rising Wellness, Grand Junction
Pablo’s Pizza, Grand Junction
Out of the Ash Productions, Durango
Lil Ole’ Winemaker, Grand Junction
Amber Floral, Grand Junction
Evergreen Education Group, Durango
Alpine Building Consultants, Glenwood Springs
Desert Edge Consulting, Grand Junction
Focus Forward Production, Grand Junction
Triple Play Records, Grand Junction
A Haggle of Vendors Emporium, Grand Junction
Downtown Books, Craig
Montell-Hecathorn Builders, Durango
Yoga Wisdom and Wellness, Grand Junction
Skyway Auto, Inc., Durango
Brookie Architecture, Durango
Waterfall Ranch, Durango
Animas River Wetlands, Durango
Jim Stephenson Photography, Ridgway
San Juan Mountains Photography, Ridgway
Nicholoff Summit Construction, Delta
Ouray Main St Inn, Ouray
San Juan Coffee Company, Durango
Angler’s Covey, Colorado Springs
Fishpond, Denver
River Light Images, Denver
Mountain Spirits Liquor, Crested Butte
Pronghorn Wildlife Photography, Cotopaxi
Bonsai Design, Grand Junction