A ragtag citizens group was started in 1972 with an ambitious goal of preventing development of the Marble Ski Area and a related real estate scheme.  The little group that helped defeat the Marble Ski Area celebrates its 50th anniversary.  The Crystal Valley Environmental Protection Association continues to help protect the special place!

60 Days to Comment on the Draft Gunnison Outdoor Resources Protection (GORP) Act

Deadline is July 19

Ahead of Colorado Public Lands Day happening tomorrow, Colorado US Senator Michael Bennet has announced that he will introduce legislation to protect public lands in Gunnison County after seeking input from all Colorado public lands users on the draft bill. After a decade of collaboration with the Gunnison Public Lands Initiative Working Group to develop a plan that would protect and enhance key landscapes in the Gunnison Basin and Gunnison County, the draft bill has been realized and Senator Bennet has given it a new name! The release of this legislative proposal has initiated a 60-day public comment period that will end on July 19, 2022. Bennet invites input and welcomes suggestions to improve the bill. 

Use the link below to learn more and submit your comments.

After reviewing input, Bennet intends to introduce the legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Eighteen months ago, CVEPA entered into a partnership with the Aspen Valley Land Trust with the goal of putting 55 acres of valuable wetlands near Marble into conservation. CVEPA sought assurances from the State of Colorado to protect any non-profit that would accept the property from environmental liability due to a smelter site remaining from a mining project that was decommissioned, circa 1913. 

In a remarkable acquisition that traveled full circle, it was the nimble and fast acting Trust for Land Restoration that accepted this property for the benefit of future generations. The TLR Board consummated in three days’ time what so many had worked to achieve for many years. The donor’s generosity, patience, and persistence to conserve this property for posterity became a reality on December 30th.