1 00:00:33,650 --> 00:00:37,130 Good morning, commissioners. I'm going to start the recording for this meeting. 2 00:00:41,950 --> 00:00:43,050 Recording in progress. 3 00:01:53,510 --> 00:02:16,890 Are we ready? All right, welcome, everyone. My name is nurse reporter, not I'm the chair of the Laplata County Board of County Commissioners. Commissioners, if you'd like to introduce yourself. Good morning, Clyde Church, Laplata County Commissioner. That's all good, Laplata County Commissioner. Good morning, commissioners. I'm Texas Stevens, the county manager. Carol Rogers, county attorney. All right. Thank you, everyone. We have a lot of people in the audience today. 4 00:02:16,890 --> 00:02:24,650 I have a feeling I know why you're here, so we will talk about that in a second, but I will call this meeting to order and let's stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. 5 00:02:27,340 --> 00:02:38,200 I pledge allegiance to the Flagler of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under the rule of the individual. 6 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:41,420 All 7 00:02:43,570 --> 00:02:48,430 right, we're going to move on to today's agenda and for anybody online, you can always 8 00:02:48,430 --> 00:02:54,510 find this by going to the Laplata County homepage and going through the minutes and agendas. 9 00:02:55,010 --> 00:02:58,710 And we have a bit of a new format, so if you have questions, let us know, but you can 10 00:02:58,710 --> 00:03:02,670 get to the agenda, audio, and all the packets that we are looking at. 11 00:03:03,590 --> 00:03:05,750 We have two parts to today's agenda. 12 00:03:05,750 --> 00:03:10,870 As per usual, one is a consent agenda and then the decision agenda. 13 00:03:11,310 --> 00:03:15,310 The consent agenda is designed to approve projects in a single motion. 14 00:03:15,530 --> 00:03:21,650 That while very important, and we do read all the material, of course, does not require a border staff discussion. 15 00:03:22,050 --> 00:03:26,310 Do either of the commissioners wish to remove anything from today's consent agenda? 16 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:29,020 No, Madam Chair. 17 00:03:29,360 --> 00:03:30,260 And I do not either. 18 00:03:30,560 --> 00:03:34,760 So on that note, hearing no changes, do I have a motion to approve today's agenda? 19 00:03:34,760 --> 00:03:34,840 Yeah. 20 00:03:35,620 --> 00:03:36,200 Madam Chair. 21 00:03:36,460 --> 00:03:36,540 Yep. 22 00:03:36,740 --> 00:03:38,200 I move to today's agenda. 23 00:03:38,700 --> 00:03:39,000 All right. 24 00:03:39,160 --> 00:03:39,980 All in favour say aye. 25 00:03:40,280 --> 00:03:40,540 Aye. 26 00:03:40,860 --> 00:03:41,080 Aye. 27 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:41,140 Aye. 28 00:03:41,320 --> 00:03:41,340 Aye. 29 00:03:41,340 --> 00:03:41,460 All right. 30 00:03:41,580 --> 00:03:46,780 The motion carries and we have our agenda for the business meeting for the 8th of April. 31 00:03:47,480 --> 00:03:47,720 All right. 32 00:03:47,900 --> 00:03:52,580 Do any of the commissioners need to make a disclosure regarding potential or perceived conflicts of interest? 33 00:03:54,300 --> 00:03:55,080 No conflicts. 34 00:03:55,540 --> 00:03:56,020 No, Madam Chair. 35 00:03:56,300 --> 00:03:56,980 And neither do I. 36 00:03:57,600 --> 00:03:57,920 All right. 37 00:03:58,120 --> 00:03:59,700 We do not have any minutes today. 38 00:03:59,700 --> 00:04:12,160 Okay, we're going to go on to public comment, this public comment will explain this to you is not for the decision item that will come later in just a few minutes since we are not discussing everything on consent. 39 00:04:12,420 --> 00:04:19,500 So public comment is for anything that is just in general or for anything else but the public lands resolution. 40 00:04:20,040 --> 00:04:28,920 So on that note, Logan, I will turn this over to you for public comment both online and we'll see if anybody in the room is here to talk about anything else but the resolution. 41 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:45,830 Thank you commissioner. Welcome to the public comment section of the agenda providing you with the opportunity to express your views on issues within the board's jurisdiction, not covered in today's agenda, as well as items that are on the consent agenda. 42 00:04:46,330 --> 00:04:51,650 If you wish to speak on an item listed under the decision agenda, please wait for that item to be called. 43 00:04:51,650 --> 00:04:55,130 To make comment virtually, please raise your hand in Zoom. 44 00:04:55,690 --> 00:04:59,050 For those of you watching the meeting on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, 45 00:04:59,530 --> 00:05:01,870 there is a raise your hand button at the bottom of your screen. 46 00:05:02,330 --> 00:05:05,970 If you're on the phone and would like to make comment, please press star 9 47 00:05:05,970 --> 00:05:07,510 to let me know that you'd like to speak. 48 00:05:08,170 --> 00:05:11,990 To ensure your comments are officially recorded, state your name before speaking 49 00:05:11,990 --> 00:05:14,030 as these proceedings are recorded. 50 00:05:14,750 --> 00:05:17,130 Each speaker is allowed a maximum of three minutes 51 00:05:17,130 --> 00:05:19,850 and the board may limit comments on any given topic 52 00:05:19,850 --> 00:05:21,790 to know more than a total of 10 minutes. 53 00:05:22,450 --> 00:05:24,210 If these time limitations are insufficient 54 00:05:24,210 --> 00:05:25,510 for expressing your thoughts, 55 00:05:25,850 --> 00:05:28,290 alternative channels such as submitting written comments 56 00:05:28,290 --> 00:05:29,670 are generally available. 57 00:05:30,550 --> 00:05:32,810 According to the Colorado Open Meeting's law, 58 00:05:33,330 --> 00:05:35,770 formal actions are restricted to the agenda items. 59 00:05:37,030 --> 00:05:38,210 As decisions required, 60 00:05:38,530 --> 00:05:41,250 Vance notice the board may not take action on any items, 61 00:05:41,730 --> 00:05:43,250 not listed on the agenda today. 62 00:05:43,810 --> 00:05:45,630 However, we value and welcome your input 63 00:05:45,990 --> 00:05:47,790 to maintain a professional atmosphere. 64 00:05:47,790 --> 00:05:52,570 sphere, please address comments exclusively to the board. The board chair may limit comments 65 00:05:52,570 --> 00:05:57,150 deemed irrelevant, repetitive, or beyond the board's jurisdiction. If you're watching 66 00:05:57,150 --> 00:06:02,030 the meeting, there's a clock on the time clock on the boardroom view to help you gauge 67 00:06:02,030 --> 00:06:02,450 your time. 68 00:06:04,610 --> 00:06:08,430 And nobody in the virtual audience has raised their hand to make public comment. 69 00:06:11,020 --> 00:06:16,440 Anybody in the room want to make a general public comment today? All right, I will officially 70 00:06:17,400 --> 00:06:20,940 I will now take a motion on the consent agenda for passage. 71 00:06:21,680 --> 00:06:22,200 Yes. 72 00:06:22,540 --> 00:06:25,060 The consent agenda is posted. 73 00:06:25,940 --> 00:06:27,320 Okay, I'll in favor say aye. 74 00:06:27,780 --> 00:06:28,000 Aye. 75 00:06:28,360 --> 00:06:28,520 Aye. 76 00:06:28,780 --> 00:06:29,740 All right, the motion carries. 77 00:06:29,900 --> 00:06:30,660 We have three items. 78 00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:42,820 County cash requirements, approval of two letters of support for Fort Lewis College grants for affordable housing and ratification of a grant application for our public health department to the Rocky Mountain Health Foundation. 79 00:06:42,820 --> 00:06:48,380 All right, now we're going to move on to the decision agenda, and Sarah Jacobson is going to give the staff report. 80 00:06:56,620 --> 00:06:58,180 Thank you very much, commissioners. 81 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:02,940 Sarah Jacobson, administrative analyst here in our administration department. 82 00:07:03,860 --> 00:07:08,020 La Plata County, let's see, sorry, I feel a little loud. 83 00:07:08,620 --> 00:07:15,000 La Plata County commissioners would like to express their deep concern regarding the indiscriminate and 84 00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:20,240 short-sighted cuts being made to federal land management staffing as well as funding. 85 00:07:20,780 --> 00:07:29,000 These reductions have serious and dangerous implications for La Plata County, where public lands comprise the majority of our 1,700 square miles. 86 00:07:29,780 --> 00:07:34,120 Public lands are a fundamental driver of our local economy and community well-being. 87 00:07:34,820 --> 00:07:43,700 Tourism accounts for approximately 28% of La Plata County's economy, with public lands playing an essential role in sustaining this sector. 88 00:07:45,000 --> 00:07:52,160 The San Juan National Forest alone receives approximately 1.32 million visitors annually, 89 00:07:52,700 --> 00:07:59,480 contributing an estimated 110.7 million in visitor spending, reducing federal land management 90 00:07:59,480 --> 00:08:04,700 and resources directly threatens the sustainability of these economic benefits and jeopardizes the 91 00:08:04,700 --> 00:08:11,160 ability of our federal land agencies to responsibly manage and protect these treasured landscapes. 92 00:08:11,160 --> 00:08:18,280 Further, staffing and funding cuts undermine the ability of land management agencies to maintain 93 00:08:18,280 --> 00:08:24,840 recreational infrastructure, prevent and manage wildfires, and address the growing pressures 94 00:08:24,840 --> 00:08:26,840 of increased public land use. 95 00:08:28,000 --> 00:08:33,940 As visitation continues to rise, it is imperative that federal land agencies are equipped to meet 96 00:08:33,940 --> 00:08:39,000 these challenges, ensuring both the safety of visitors and the protection of the natural 97 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:42,620 resources that make La Plata County such a desirable destination. 98 00:08:43,840 --> 00:08:51,680 So for the Board's consideration today is Resolution 2025-09, a resolution of the Board 99 00:08:51,680 --> 00:08:55,720 of County Commissioners of La Plata County Colorado supporting our public lands. 100 00:08:56,680 --> 00:08:58,100 Thank you so much, Sarah. 101 00:08:58,180 --> 00:09:01,700 You always do a great job with writing these and giving our report. 102 00:09:02,460 --> 00:09:02,620 All right. 103 00:09:02,780 --> 00:09:05,380 Do the commissioners have questions for the staff on this? 104 00:09:07,460 --> 00:09:08,040 Questions? 105 00:09:08,040 --> 00:09:10,160 Yeah, we will save our comments for later. 106 00:09:10,340 --> 00:09:12,760 All right, we will now open this up for public comment. 107 00:09:14,420 --> 00:09:17,580 And you heard the directions for public comment. 108 00:09:17,780 --> 00:09:19,240 You're limited to three minutes. 109 00:09:19,380 --> 00:09:21,900 If you can state your, come up to the podium, 110 00:09:22,080 --> 00:09:22,700 state your name. 111 00:09:22,820 --> 00:09:24,680 You don't have to give your address, but where you live. 112 00:09:25,500 --> 00:09:29,100 And we will hear about how people feel about this resolution. 113 00:09:29,700 --> 00:09:31,140 So just whoever wants to come up. 114 00:09:35,010 --> 00:09:35,450 Morning. 115 00:09:35,890 --> 00:09:38,030 I want to thank you so much for this resolution. 116 00:09:38,030 --> 00:09:39,210 It was beautifully written. 117 00:09:39,210 --> 00:09:42,430 and also the comments right here. 118 00:09:43,230 --> 00:09:46,730 I'm volunteer conservation lead for the local Sierra Club. 119 00:09:47,530 --> 00:09:49,310 And I would just want to add a couple things. 120 00:09:49,670 --> 00:09:51,050 A lot of people don't know this. 121 00:09:51,650 --> 00:09:54,430 We are in a mass extinction crisis. 122 00:09:55,370 --> 00:09:58,230 And ecosystems around the world are stressed 123 00:09:59,050 --> 00:10:00,630 every ecosystem in the world. 124 00:10:01,110 --> 00:10:04,550 And we need to keep all our public lands as much intact 125 00:10:04,550 --> 00:10:08,030 and not unravel any part of the ecosystem. 126 00:10:08,030 --> 00:10:11,050 So all that which you have addressed is important. 127 00:10:11,730 --> 00:10:15,910 I also want to add that farce create their own clouds, 128 00:10:16,350 --> 00:10:19,450 their own moisture, they can create their own rain 129 00:10:19,450 --> 00:10:20,830 through transpiration. 130 00:10:21,830 --> 00:10:26,670 And so we cannot increase the logging as is suggested 131 00:10:27,550 --> 00:10:29,190 by President Trump. 132 00:10:29,510 --> 00:10:32,290 We need fire mitigation, yes, but not that. 133 00:10:32,650 --> 00:10:33,630 Thank you very much. 134 00:10:33,830 --> 00:10:35,590 I really appreciate what you're doing. 135 00:10:35,950 --> 00:10:36,370 Thank you. 136 00:10:36,370 --> 00:10:39,450 And before you step away, can you introduce yourself, please, just your name for the record. 137 00:10:39,450 --> 00:10:41,430 Oh, sorry. Margaret Mayer. 138 00:10:42,830 --> 00:10:43,590 Thank you. 139 00:10:43,810 --> 00:10:44,170 Thank 140 00:10:52,520 --> 00:10:56,600 you, commissioners, for the resolution, very well-written, Sarah. 141 00:10:57,840 --> 00:11:02,100 Buck Schellen, with the five members chapter of Trot Unlimited. 142 00:11:05,080 --> 00:11:13,580 We have two threatened and endangered species of trout in the San Juan National Forest 143 00:11:13,580 --> 00:11:27,400 that certainly could be impacted by this land going unadjudicated, sold off, not protected. 144 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:38,440 It's very, very important as stated in the resolution that our recreation and the economic well-being 145 00:11:38,440 --> 00:11:44,720 of Plotta County, Durango, Bayfield, et cetera could be seriously impacted. 146 00:11:45,580 --> 00:11:48,860 So I salute you for that, and thank you very much. 147 00:11:59,050 --> 00:12:04,470 Morning commissioners, my name is Timothy Thomas, and I reside in Durango, Colorado, grew 148 00:12:04,470 --> 00:12:06,970 up in Denver, Colorado about 64 years ago. 149 00:12:08,010 --> 00:12:13,910 I've lived in the state the whole time, and I've used the public lands pretty much from 150 00:12:13,910 --> 00:12:14,550 a young age. 151 00:12:14,850 --> 00:12:17,250 I definitely support the resolution you came up with. 152 00:12:17,250 --> 00:12:24,450 I thank you very much for that, and I would just add that between recreation and also my professional pursuits as a guide 153 00:12:24,450 --> 00:12:37,310 I worked at Port Lewis College in an outdoor education program, and we continually use the San Juan Forest and the surrounding BLM lands as well on a permitted process for these purposes for education and recreation. 154 00:12:38,450 --> 00:12:47,410 So I would staunchly oppose efforts to sell, transfer, dispose of, or any of our national 155 00:12:47,410 --> 00:12:48,170 public lands. 156 00:12:49,050 --> 00:12:52,510 Please keep these public lands in the public hands, and thank you very much. 157 00:12:53,150 --> 00:12:53,730 You. 158 00:13:03,730 --> 00:13:06,590 Good morning, distinguished commissioners. 159 00:13:07,590 --> 00:13:14,570 My name is Jimbo Buick-Rude, I live in Eremosa, and I'm representing a couple of different 160 00:13:14,570 --> 00:13:16,190 pieces of the community day. 161 00:13:16,750 --> 00:13:18,170 First of all, here most of the company ditch 162 00:13:18,170 --> 00:13:20,090 I'm president of the board of directors of the ditch. 163 00:13:21,510 --> 00:13:23,630 And so I'm speaking from that perspective, 164 00:13:23,790 --> 00:13:29,650 but also as Tim Thomas here spoke to some of us 165 00:13:29,650 --> 00:13:32,230 have worked on the lands here for quite a long time 166 00:13:32,230 --> 00:13:34,670 before my work as a conservationist. 167 00:13:34,790 --> 00:13:38,630 I worked for 25 plus years for a Colorado 168 00:13:38,630 --> 00:13:41,210 Bound School and Colorado Bound School. 169 00:13:41,330 --> 00:13:43,450 And many programs would have no place to go 170 00:13:43,450 --> 00:13:48,970 So if we didn't have our public lands opened up opportunity for educational experiences. 171 00:13:50,610 --> 00:13:56,830 So thank you first of all for all of your work on this and your commitment to this issue. 172 00:13:58,570 --> 00:14:07,750 As we all know, everyone in this room, though maybe not everyone across the country knows 173 00:14:07,750 --> 00:14:11,830 is that public lands are woven into our lives, right? 174 00:14:12,330 --> 00:14:15,070 We're eat, drink, whatever, 175 00:14:15,370 --> 00:14:18,370 bathe, recreate, every verb you can think of is that we do, 176 00:14:18,490 --> 00:14:20,670 every person in this county is related to our public lands. 177 00:14:21,070 --> 00:14:22,750 I mean, it's just the basic, it's us. 178 00:14:23,590 --> 00:14:25,370 There's no separation between it. 179 00:14:25,530 --> 00:14:28,050 So any kind of disment attack, 180 00:14:29,330 --> 00:14:33,290 sell off whatever public lands directly affects every resident, 181 00:14:33,730 --> 00:14:36,810 and as well as visitors to our county. 182 00:14:37,750 --> 00:14:46,330 And I also note that as the commissioners learned a few weeks ago here when they received a briefing from pure of land management and for service. 183 00:14:46,970 --> 00:14:59,330 The federal land cuts that come to this time have been problematic and especially in some places that you know regard the safety of this community. 184 00:14:59,330 --> 00:14:59,970 and I'm... 185 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:29,840 We'll point out the fire mitigation, well-fired mitigation, prescribed fire, and even fire suppression, even though it's been said, oh, we're not going to cut firefighters. I think everyone knows that firefighters just don't go off there on their own and everyone else back at the office is drinking coffee, needing cupcakes. Everyone hands on deck deal to take care of our public lands. So yeah, so you're well aware of what the current issues 186 00:15:29,840 --> 00:15:34,520 are economically, safety wise, long-term health, and so forth. 187 00:15:35,560 --> 00:15:43,080 I'll just wind up by saying that this community and our social communities, we work so hard together, 188 00:15:45,420 --> 00:15:50,000 collaborating across agencies, tribes, et cetera, to take care of public lands. 189 00:15:50,380 --> 00:15:53,870 Commissioner Church and I, we're going to collaborate together that we've done for 190 00:15:53,870 --> 00:15:59,190 over years and I have across the area for many years and so it just shows the commitment 191 00:15:59,190 --> 00:16:04,090 that our community has to that and thanks for standing up for the people who are standing 192 00:16:04,090 --> 00:16:06,070 up for our public lands. Thank you. 193 00:16:06,810 --> 00:16:07,550 Thank you. 194 00:16:08,110 --> 00:16:08,130 Thank you. 195 00:16:14,820 --> 00:16:15,600 Welcome commissioners. 196 00:16:15,880 --> 00:16:16,520 I'm John Raider. 197 00:16:16,940 --> 00:16:21,340 I live here in Durango on the Public Lands Program Manager for the San Juan Citizens Alliance. 198 00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:27,100 We're a regional nonprofit that advocates for public lands wildlife, clean air and pure 199 00:16:27,100 --> 00:16:30,040 water here in the San Juan Basin and we represent about a thousand members. 200 00:16:30,960 --> 00:16:35,440 Like many in our community, we are shocked and angered at the reckless attacks on public 201 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:37,700 lands and the federal workforce that manages them. 202 00:16:38,360 --> 00:16:42,700 Our friends and our neighbors have dedicated their careers to stewardship of our public resources. 203 00:16:43,940 --> 00:16:47,420 Public lands are vital to our health, welfare, and prosperity in Laplata County. 204 00:16:48,240 --> 00:16:52,420 And on behalf of San Juan citizens' Alliance and our members, I want to express our gratitude 205 00:16:52,420 --> 00:16:55,320 to this board for recognizing and declaring their importance. 206 00:16:56,420 --> 00:17:01,180 At a time when many elected officials would transfer or sell off these lands, taking from 207 00:17:01,180 --> 00:17:05,920 our community and future generations in order to enrich the few, it is critical for 208 00:17:05,920 --> 00:17:09,800 local governments to stand up for public lands and the values they represent to our residents. 209 00:17:10,620 --> 00:17:14,760 So thank you for taking this seriously and for adding your voices to the chorus and 210 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:15,880 Colorado and across the nation. 211 00:17:16,480 --> 00:17:16,800 Thank you. 212 00:17:33,330 --> 00:17:37,110 Thank you for having us all here today talk about public lands commissioners. 213 00:17:38,030 --> 00:17:42,750 My name is Michael Carol, I live here in Durango, and I come here today to ask the commission 214 00:17:42,750 --> 00:17:45,970 to unanimously support the public lands resolution. 215 00:17:46,670 --> 00:17:51,810 I moved to Laplata County 25 years ago from Washington, D.C. to take a job for the wilderness 216 00:17:51,810 --> 00:17:56,030 society, a national public lands advocacy group that works across the country. 217 00:17:56,570 --> 00:18:02,350 I moved to Durango side unseen because I was tired of living in a place, or living in a working 218 00:18:02,350 --> 00:18:05,930 on public lands, but living in a place that didn't have access to them. 219 00:18:05,930 --> 00:18:13,350 I think that's what's unique about Durango and Laplata County is that we have access to these spectacular landscapes out our back door. 220 00:18:14,010 --> 00:18:18,770 And I believe I share that value with almost all of the, are my fellow citizens of Laplata County. 221 00:18:19,270 --> 00:18:29,870 When you ask people in Laplata County what they do, that's not a question about their occupation. It's a question about their recreation. 222 00:18:30,590 --> 00:18:31,910 And I love that about our county. 223 00:18:31,910 --> 00:18:36,430 What's amazing and unique about Laplata County is not only do we have access to the women 224 00:18:36,430 --> 00:18:41,230 who children is, the hermosis special creek area and the San Juan mountains, but we also 225 00:18:41,230 --> 00:18:48,250 have national public lands right here in our town that I use every day to hike into mountain 226 00:18:48,250 --> 00:18:48,510 bike. 227 00:18:48,990 --> 00:18:54,190 For example, Animus Mountain, Grandview Ridge, Skyline Ridge, these are probably better known 228 00:18:54,190 --> 00:18:57,110 by the trail names that are in those places, right? 229 00:18:57,110 --> 00:19:01,770 Big Canyon, South Rim, Sidewinder, Cowboy, on the other side of town. 230 00:19:01,950 --> 00:19:04,550 You have sailing hawks, loop, and animes mountain. 231 00:19:05,070 --> 00:19:12,250 Some of the county's best trails and parts of almost every trail system across the county are co-managed or 232 00:19:12,250 --> 00:19:17,790 managed by public lands advocates and the national public lands agencies. 233 00:19:18,470 --> 00:19:24,250 This is why the county unanimously passing this resolution that you're considering today is critical 234 00:19:24,250 --> 00:19:31,990 for sending a clear message about the values of La Plata County at a time when most of 235 00:19:31,990 --> 00:19:35,510 those values seem under attack by the Trump administration and their allies in Congress. 236 00:19:36,830 --> 00:19:39,010 I mentioned that I worked for the Wilderness Society. 237 00:19:39,330 --> 00:19:44,210 Let me just run you through a few of these attacks that are happening and why that makes this 238 00:19:45,090 --> 00:19:46,130 resolution timely. 239 00:19:46,490 --> 00:19:51,110 On day one of Congress, the Congress, when they were sworn in, they actually passed a resolution 240 00:19:51,110 --> 00:19:56,250 to make it easier to give away public lands. There was a budget memo leaked by the Budget Committee 241 00:19:56,250 --> 00:20:01,770 that actually made it, are assumed that they would pay for tax cuts by selling federal 242 00:20:01,770 --> 00:20:07,030 public lands. Secretary Burgham has said over and over again these are assets that should be 243 00:20:07,030 --> 00:20:14,610 looked to are used to pay off our national debt and they continue to push to open up and sell off 244 00:20:14,610 --> 00:20:17,330 federal public lands for housing across the country. 245 00:20:18,190 --> 00:20:24,930 And the Senate just had a vote on Friday night to oppose the sale of federal public lands. 246 00:20:25,330 --> 00:20:31,550 And keep them out of any budget bill that was introduced, the amendment was introduced by Senator Hickenlooper, and it failed. 247 00:20:32,110 --> 00:20:37,730 Can you believe it that senators across the West with the exception of our senators didn't vote for that? 248 00:20:38,050 --> 00:20:39,350 So let me just leave you with this. 249 00:20:39,350 --> 00:20:43,430 Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this resolution. 250 00:20:44,210 --> 00:20:48,690 It accurately depicts the deepest values that we share here in Laplata County. 251 00:20:49,210 --> 00:20:53,910 Colorado is the first state to pass bipartisan resolution in support of public lands. 252 00:20:54,710 --> 00:21:02,350 Laplata County can be the first county in the country to pass a resolution in support of public lands today, if you unanimously pass this. 253 00:21:02,490 --> 00:21:03,150 So thank you very much. 254 00:21:03,150 --> 00:21:03,930 I 255 00:21:16,570 --> 00:21:21,010 thank you for upholding our democracy and giving us voice in our county decisions. 256 00:21:21,390 --> 00:21:22,130 My name is Ellie. 257 00:21:22,410 --> 00:21:23,750 I am a resident of Durango. 258 00:21:24,810 --> 00:21:31,190 I would like to share with you why I love public lands because they are public. 259 00:21:31,970 --> 00:21:41,930 The definition of public is concerning or affecting or maintained by the community or the people. 260 00:21:41,930 --> 00:21:49,430 that they are public reflects our inherent need to be on the land, to envelop 261 00:21:49,430 --> 00:21:58,710 ourself in the river as we float away. It shines the quietness of open space 262 00:21:58,710 --> 00:22:07,890 devoid of motors and friction of tires. It releases our distractions from the past 263 00:22:07,890 --> 00:22:15,030 and the future, it allows us to be here, right here, right now, immersed in the 264 00:22:15,030 --> 00:22:23,070 beauty. It is as though being in our community lands allows us to levitate from 265 00:22:23,070 --> 00:22:23,990 time itself. 266 00:22:26,730 --> 00:22:34,870 The only true fact within that that is critical is we must 267 00:22:34,870 --> 00:22:42,570 incorporate this caveat that they are healthy public lands. We must protect 268 00:22:42,570 --> 00:22:48,650 them, we must steward them, and as public owners, we have that opportunity to 269 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:55,970 steward them. So the beauty that these mountains provide, the wonderful 270 00:22:55,970 --> 00:23:03,910 opportunities that our rivers give us, these are what our community lands offer us. 271 00:23:03,910 --> 00:23:06,790 I am so grateful that y'all are addressing this. 272 00:23:07,070 --> 00:23:10,890 I'm very proud to be a Laplata County resident. 273 00:23:11,150 --> 00:23:15,950 There might be the first one to say we are standing up for our community, 274 00:23:16,410 --> 00:23:25,690 for all of you, for us, for all of us, for the whole citizenry that has access to our community lands. 275 00:23:26,230 --> 00:23:29,790 So in conclusion, I would like to give you a haku. 276 00:23:38,090 --> 00:23:39,290 Thank you 277 00:23:43,670 --> 00:23:48,670 for 278 00:23:56,870 --> 00:24:10,110 having us today for this resolution and for hearing my public comment. My name is Kim Stevens. I'm a resident of Durango and I work at the Wilderness Society as our director of our climate and energy work. 279 00:24:10,110 --> 00:24:16,110 I feel like everyone has reflected this in some way in their comments, but really the 280 00:24:16,110 --> 00:24:22,990 public lands in and around this county is what makes it so special and why people visit 281 00:24:22,990 --> 00:24:29,310 our communities and invest in our communities and it's why families choose to stay here and invest 282 00:24:29,310 --> 00:24:37,290 in our communities including myself as a mom of an almost two year old. We get out there every day 283 00:24:37,290 --> 00:24:43,250 and you know it's scary because we're seeing attacks on our public lands to sell off our lands 284 00:24:43,250 --> 00:24:51,770 and moves to open more land to drilling mining and other industrial uses and that's really scary 285 00:24:51,770 --> 00:24:59,570 when we think of the state of public lands today in Colorado 73% of our federal public lands managed 286 00:24:59,570 --> 00:25:06,770 to buy BLM is currently open to oil and gas leasing and there are bills in Congress right now 287 00:25:06,770 --> 00:25:14,630 to mandate that the Bureau of Land Management offer all of those open acres to lease every single quarter. 288 00:25:15,870 --> 00:25:24,950 And also to limit the BLM's ability to defer those leases in times when there's impacts to communities or other oppositions. 289 00:25:25,630 --> 00:25:32,670 So, now really is the moment to make it clear that the county stands by the values of public 290 00:25:32,670 --> 00:25:37,590 lands and opposes any attempts to sell off these lands to the highest bidder. 291 00:25:37,950 --> 00:25:38,290 Thank you. 292 00:25:38,810 --> 00:25:39,810 Thank you. 293 00:25:40,270 --> 00:25:44,450 I, uh, Commissioner Salka just reminded me we do have two of you online. 294 00:25:45,030 --> 00:25:45,870 We will get to you. 295 00:25:45,970 --> 00:25:50,910 I promise that is two hands raised now, but we will take everybody in the room and then Logan 296 00:25:50,910 --> 00:25:53,530 can go into the online commenting. 297 00:25:54,150 --> 00:25:55,450 Who else in the room? 298 00:26:01,240 --> 00:26:07,580 I want to thank you for putting forth this resolution. 299 00:26:07,820 --> 00:26:17,120 I would have been a lot happier if it had been put forth as soon as they started laying off all of our federal workers and destroying our country. 300 00:26:17,840 --> 00:26:26,940 And I want to thank everybody for coming to speak and I just want to say when are we going to start being proactive and fight? 301 00:26:27,580 --> 00:26:34,240 We need to fight, we cannot, this is not a debate, this is not something with you is going to happen here. 302 00:26:34,700 --> 00:26:38,420 We need to take action and we need to take action first. 303 00:26:39,000 --> 00:26:40,860 We can't just always be on our back foot. 304 00:26:41,100 --> 00:26:43,460 We need to make phone calls every day. 305 00:26:44,140 --> 00:26:47,420 We need to call Bennett, Hickenlooper, Hurd. 306 00:26:47,660 --> 00:26:49,740 We need to demand that they do something. 307 00:26:50,160 --> 00:26:56,760 We need to just keep demanding and showing up at the rallies and the protests. 308 00:26:56,760 --> 00:27:01,000 and the marches, and we need to take action because they're stealing everything. 309 00:27:01,340 --> 00:27:02,400 It's becoming a dictatorship. 310 00:27:02,840 --> 00:27:05,320 Trump and Musk are taking over. 311 00:27:05,680 --> 00:27:06,680 It's already happening. 312 00:27:07,160 --> 00:27:08,960 They're trying to privatize Social Security. 313 00:27:09,400 --> 00:27:15,140 They already screwed the Postal Service with DeJoy in office, and they weakened it, 314 00:27:15,420 --> 00:27:17,140 and now they're trying to privatize it. 315 00:27:17,260 --> 00:27:19,800 They're trying to privatize everything for their businesses. 316 00:27:20,340 --> 00:27:25,020 That's why the oligarchs were standing behind Trump, and it's why we need to do something now. 317 00:27:25,020 --> 00:27:30,260 We need to take action, call every single day and demand action. 318 00:27:30,840 --> 00:27:33,560 It's not a debate in a room. 319 00:27:33,840 --> 00:27:36,080 It's a back alley brawl. 320 00:27:36,320 --> 00:27:40,280 That's what's happening now, and that's what we need to do to defend our country. 321 00:27:40,660 --> 00:27:45,140 And this resolution is great, but it's on our back foot. 322 00:27:45,440 --> 00:27:48,540 We need to take action every day. 323 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:49,940 Thank you. 324 00:27:54,760 --> 00:27:55,080 All right. 325 00:27:55,260 --> 00:27:57,840 Do we have anybody else in the room that we'd like to give comment? 326 00:27:57,840 --> 00:27:58,620 I'll 327 00:28:07,100 --> 00:28:18,320 be brief. My name is Grace Morlage. I'm Durango, Mother Grandmother, Hiker, outdoors person, and 328 00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:31,560 a member of the Gradov Brods for Wilderness. And I spent a little time recently in the Texas oil patch. I could talk about that for a long time. 329 00:28:31,560 --> 00:28:37,660 It's really very, very distressing to be in a place where oil is king. 330 00:28:38,940 --> 00:28:49,380 And I think what I want to say in general is that cultural and spiritual resources are not for sale. 331 00:28:51,120 --> 00:28:57,340 And it's something that America's got to come to terms with again and again. 332 00:28:58,120 --> 00:29:03,960 so thank you for hearing me and I really appreciate that you are making a statement. Thank you. 333 00:29:04,300 --> 00:29:04,940 Thank you. 334 00:29:07,740 --> 00:29:12,340 All right we can come back to the room if anybody has a thought. Logan I will turn it over 335 00:29:12,340 --> 00:29:20,630 to you for the online I see two hands and maybe more it looks like three. Thank you. Thank you 336 00:29:20,630 --> 00:29:29,050 Commissioner. First up we have someone named Dan. I have allowed you to speak if you would please unmute 337 00:29:29,050 --> 00:29:34,490 yourself and identify yourself for the record. Thank you. Thank you. Can you hear me okay? 338 00:29:38,380 --> 00:29:44,220 Yes, thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good morning and thank you for this resolution and for your 339 00:29:44,220 --> 00:29:50,400 leadership commissioners. My name is Dan King. I'm a resident of Durango and the Animus 340 00:29:50,400 --> 00:29:56,680 Watershed. I represent the Laplata Mountains and Public Lands Coalition which is a growing group 341 00:29:56,680 --> 00:29:59,580 of 200-plus residents and organizations. 342 00:30:00,340 --> 00:30:29,020 Standing up for public lands and the Laplata Mountains, in particular due to the copper mine and the exploration that's going on there. I cannot share enough about public lands that hasn't already been shared here. The benefits are numerous from wildlife habitat and conservation, to clean water and air, to biodiversity, to climate change mitigation, to all the economic benefits from the outdoor recreation economy that we exist in, to tourism, and so much more. 343 00:30:29,020 --> 00:30:32,400 or there's also the social and cultural benefits, 344 00:30:32,880 --> 00:30:34,880 the sacredness of our public lands, 345 00:30:35,080 --> 00:30:36,940 the recreation and health that it provides, 346 00:30:37,880 --> 00:30:40,640 us, our citizens across the county, 347 00:30:41,280 --> 00:30:43,920 our children, our everybody else 348 00:30:43,920 --> 00:30:45,420 that calls this place home. 349 00:30:46,020 --> 00:30:47,820 I can't say enough about this resolution. 350 00:30:48,400 --> 00:30:49,640 I love the way it's worth it. 351 00:30:49,840 --> 00:30:52,160 I love the fact that we are taking a stance here. 352 00:30:52,680 --> 00:30:54,220 It shows a lot for this community 353 00:30:54,220 --> 00:30:56,500 and what we are able to do. 354 00:30:56,500 --> 00:31:02,500 I do agree that we need to stand up and be more vigilant and more intentional in these spaces. 355 00:31:03,260 --> 00:31:08,200 Now is the time we stand on the front lines of the public lands battle. 356 00:31:08,840 --> 00:31:13,760 I cannot say enough about the lands towards. I see some of these folks in the audience today. 357 00:31:14,820 --> 00:31:17,560 They're my brothers and sisters and in this community. 358 00:31:18,180 --> 00:31:22,740 And I ask that you please support and pass this resolution and again, thank you so much. 359 00:31:22,740 --> 00:31:23,500 Thank 360 00:31:28,420 --> 00:31:38,420 you. Next up, we have an attendee named Brian Spire. I am allowing you to speak. If you would please unmute yourself and identify yourself for the record. 361 00:31:39,940 --> 00:31:47,520 Thank you. This is Ryan Huggins. I'm a concerned citizen, small business owner, hunter, policy wonk. 362 00:31:47,520 --> 00:31:53,940 And I just wanted to chime in to really appreciate the county considering taking action and giving 363 00:31:53,940 --> 00:31:58,640 your citizens a voice and wanting to emphasize just the economic impacts. 364 00:31:59,100 --> 00:32:03,840 You know, we all remember so clearly the impacts of the Gold King and 419 on a local economy 365 00:32:03,840 --> 00:32:10,420 from property values, jobs, tourism economy, tax base, all those things have a huge impact. 366 00:32:10,760 --> 00:32:16,780 And even the threat of changing our public lands, of losing the management, of losing the service, 367 00:32:16,780 --> 00:32:21,900 the quality of the experience will have an impact on this community. And I really appreciate 368 00:32:21,900 --> 00:32:26,420 being proactive and making a resolution to oppose that. It's already and economically, 369 00:32:26,840 --> 00:32:31,680 to mulch this time, and doing what we can to help preserve our local economy and the face of 370 00:32:31,680 --> 00:32:32,680 that is appreciated. 371 00:32:35,480 --> 00:32:35,800 Thank you. 372 00:32:40,020 --> 00:32:46,240 Next up, we have Brian Webster, and I am getting permission to speak. 373 00:32:46,360 --> 00:32:49,380 If you would please unmute yourself and identify yourself for the record. 374 00:32:50,100 --> 00:32:56,260 Thank you very much. My name is Brian Webster and the Public Lands Campaign Manager for Conservation Colorado. 375 00:32:56,980 --> 00:33:05,960 I actually live in Grand Junction and as someone that's not one of your constituents wanted to call on and say thank you. 376 00:33:06,420 --> 00:33:17,300 This resolution means a great deal to many folks that live in your county as you are hearing and seem today but it means a great deal to a lot of us across the state as well. 377 00:33:17,300 --> 00:33:25,380 Well, I have a family that are your constituents and family that recreates, it spends a lot of time in Plot of County. 378 00:33:25,880 --> 00:33:33,220 And as Michael Carroll said earlier, when folks are asked what they do, I would say I am a hunter and 379 00:33:33,220 --> 00:33:36,420 an angler. That is why I do this work. It is what I love to do. 380 00:33:36,720 --> 00:33:41,280 And from a young age, public lands have shaped who I've come to be today. 381 00:33:41,420 --> 00:33:46,840 They've shaped my value system. And one of the things I love about public lands is it doesn't matter how much 382 00:33:46,840 --> 00:33:51,320 money you have in your pocket, it doesn't matter what your last name is, where you come from, 383 00:33:51,540 --> 00:33:56,460 or how you identify. They belong to you, and you can step out of your vehicle, and you can 384 00:33:56,460 --> 00:34:01,180 go spend time in these places, whether it's for solace, or recreational opportunity, 385 00:34:01,780 --> 00:34:06,160 and enjoy them and commune with our natural heritage, commune with our cultural heritage. 386 00:34:07,060 --> 00:34:12,260 It's interesting how when you are out on public lands that you find that folks are kinder to each 387 00:34:12,260 --> 00:34:17,680 you end up meeting someone on the trail and you end up having a great conversation with them. 388 00:34:17,760 --> 00:34:23,300 They are a way that connects us in a way that very few other things do in our society. 389 00:34:24,340 --> 00:34:28,900 I think you all probably heard that phrase that Europe's got its cathedrals and we've got our 390 00:34:28,900 --> 00:34:35,380 public lands. I think one of the most iconic things that we can all recognize, something that a lot 391 00:34:35,380 --> 00:34:41,420 of us are probably participating in is like from a young age as kids being loaded up into a car to go 392 00:34:41,420 --> 00:34:45,500 visit these incredible places with family members and folks that we care about. 393 00:34:45,680 --> 00:34:51,520 And that's a special thing, and I really hope that future generations have the ability 394 00:34:51,520 --> 00:34:57,200 to have their values and their identities formed and shaped in the ways that those of us in 395 00:34:57,200 --> 00:35:03,280 this room and here listening to your leadership today are able to do. And just again, thank you 396 00:35:03,280 --> 00:35:08,900 for your leadership on this. This is an important moment. And I hope that we see other Colorado communities 397 00:35:08,900 --> 00:35:13,200 communities across the United States, follow your leadership, so thank you. 398 00:35:14,580 --> 00:35:15,340 Thank you. 399 00:35:19,990 --> 00:35:24,450 And the final person who's raised their hand to speak is Taylor Lunau. 400 00:35:24,850 --> 00:35:29,390 If you would please unmute yourself and identify yourself for the record. 401 00:35:29,710 --> 00:35:30,110 Thank you. 402 00:35:33,620 --> 00:35:34,980 Hey, good morning, everyone. 403 00:35:36,400 --> 00:35:45,400 My name is Taylor Lunau, I'm a former resident of Durango, Colorado, and I'm also an employee 404 00:35:45,400 --> 00:35:52,440 at the wilderness society, I'm the Colorado conservation manager with them, and I just 405 00:35:52,440 --> 00:35:56,760 wanted to chime in briefly here to express my gratitude to the commissioners for their 406 00:35:56,760 --> 00:36:03,940 leadership on this issue. I think that you've heard a lot today from our fellow residents 407 00:36:03,940 --> 00:36:09,960 how valuable public lands are, and I think I could add additional tidbits to what the economic 408 00:36:09,960 --> 00:36:16,460 value or the social value of those places are but I think I wanted to share just a story as to 409 00:36:16,460 --> 00:36:26,140 like what brought me to Durango in prior to the the pandemic and I was living in golden at the time 410 00:36:26,140 --> 00:36:33,320 and moved out of out of the front range to the western slope as the pandemic kind of ramped up 411 00:36:33,320 --> 00:36:41,860 And we were lucky to find a place in Durango, and we're out for a bike ride shortly thereafter on Hermosa Creek. 412 00:36:42,540 --> 00:36:48,980 And there was this sweet smell that was kind of intoxicating in the air as we were coming over the hill. 413 00:36:49,560 --> 00:36:57,140 And I realized as we came up over, it was wild roses that went on for as far as you could possibly see. 414 00:36:57,140 --> 00:37:05,800 I pulled over my mountain bike and decided like at that moment that this was the place that I was going to stay and build my life. 415 00:37:07,880 --> 00:37:16,740 Surprisingly or not, I was encountering other great folks that had similar experiences of how they came to be in Durango. 416 00:37:16,740 --> 00:37:20,720 was the rock climbing up at East Animus, which is on 417 00:37:20,720 --> 00:37:23,660 Bureau of Land Management Land, or over at X-Rock, 418 00:37:23,780 --> 00:37:25,740 which is the fantastic beginner area 419 00:37:25,740 --> 00:37:28,680 that many of our mountain guides bring folks 420 00:37:28,680 --> 00:37:30,040 to introduce them to the sport, 421 00:37:30,580 --> 00:37:33,000 or floating down the Animus River. 422 00:37:33,520 --> 00:37:36,540 These recreation assets that primarily exist 423 00:37:36,540 --> 00:37:40,480 on federal public lands are true assets 424 00:37:40,480 --> 00:37:45,480 that have brought not only young professionals like myself 425 00:37:45,480 --> 00:37:51,840 to this town, but businesses and kept families here for long periods of time. 426 00:37:52,900 --> 00:38:00,480 I think that connection goes so far, and I'm excited that the commission is taking this issue up, 427 00:38:00,800 --> 00:38:02,800 because the threat is very much real. 428 00:38:03,780 --> 00:38:07,980 As we heard earlier, our senators are doing what they can to push back on this, 429 00:38:08,280 --> 00:38:13,820 but we really need strong leadership from our commissioners to get our color out of delegation 430 00:38:13,820 --> 00:38:20,220 to do what's right and to represent the interests of the rest of the Colorado community. 431 00:38:20,960 --> 00:38:27,140 So thank you for taking this issue up. I want to urge all the commissioners to support this. 432 00:38:28,560 --> 00:38:34,080 And, you know, we've done this kind of work in the past. There's tons of groups in Durango 433 00:38:34,080 --> 00:38:40,380 that have worked hard to steward these lands and have strong interests in them. I was before this 434 00:38:40,380 --> 00:38:46,780 commission some years ago representing the Durango climbers coalition and worked with you all to 435 00:38:46,780 --> 00:38:52,000 acquire funds to do a large stewardship project on Animus Mountain and over at X-Rock. 436 00:38:52,600 --> 00:38:57,400 Those places remain important. Yes, thank you. 437 00:38:57,420 --> 00:39:00,000 Sorry, you could have been able to hear it, but the beeper went off. 438 00:39:00,140 --> 00:39:02,380 So if you could just do a little wrap-up, thanks. 439 00:39:03,220 --> 00:39:08,720 Yes, well, I would strongly support the passage of this, so thank you very much all. 440 00:39:08,720 --> 00:39:17,000 Thank you for your comments anybody else all right I will close public comment 441 00:39:17,000 --> 00:39:27,000 comments commissioners yes I heard a lot of testimony here and I have a heart 442 00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:35,740 felt compassion for the wilderness and starts starts at our back door and I 443 00:39:35,740 --> 00:39:49,920 I just wanted to point out that a lot of things have been covered today, one thing I did want to emphasize is the strategic alignment of this resolution with our strategic county strategic plan. 444 00:39:50,780 --> 00:40:03,090 And it reduction and force of the Forest Service BLM, the stewards of the land, has a ripple effect. 445 00:40:03,090 --> 00:40:12,610 When there aren't people to handle the fire mitigation in the county, and residents are 446 00:40:12,610 --> 00:40:19,790 trying to clear out brush around their homes, there aren't people to write the checks. 447 00:40:20,190 --> 00:40:24,630 There aren't the states not there, the feds aren't there, and it has a ripple effect. 448 00:40:24,830 --> 00:40:26,830 All of a sudden grants aren't being completed. 449 00:40:28,850 --> 00:40:36,450 operations in the forest for healthy forest aren't carried through, it just has an economic 450 00:40:36,450 --> 00:40:37,150 ripple effect. 451 00:40:37,450 --> 00:40:42,550 And from an economic vitality standpoint, I think this resolution is very important. 452 00:40:43,450 --> 00:40:49,830 It completes and covers some more issues that have not been covered, and I want to thank 453 00:40:49,830 --> 00:40:51,110 you for your testimony today. 454 00:40:51,950 --> 00:40:53,030 Thank you, Mr. Church. 455 00:40:53,030 --> 00:40:53,810 Mr. Salca. 456 00:40:54,910 --> 00:40:55,790 Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. 457 00:40:57,530 --> 00:40:59,030 I'm in complete support of this. 458 00:40:59,030 --> 00:40:59,930 This is a no-brainer. 459 00:41:00,250 --> 00:41:02,350 But I really wish we didn't have to do this resolution, 460 00:41:02,590 --> 00:41:04,530 because that means our public lands are under threat. 461 00:41:04,870 --> 00:41:07,310 So this is very important to me. 462 00:41:07,830 --> 00:41:09,630 Our public lands are not for sale. 463 00:41:10,670 --> 00:41:13,050 But again, this is just a resolution. 464 00:41:13,870 --> 00:41:15,030 Words on a paper. 465 00:41:15,450 --> 00:41:16,650 And I agree with you, ma'am. 466 00:41:17,470 --> 00:41:19,490 We need to continue the fight. 467 00:41:19,490 --> 00:41:24,690 And the definition of fight for me is engaging with our electives keep being 468 00:41:24,690 --> 00:41:29,630 that squeaky will. I know and I have full confidence in the three county 469 00:41:29,630 --> 00:41:33,150 commissioners here to continue that message and continue engaging with our 470 00:41:33,150 --> 00:41:37,690 senators and our representative and making sure that we don't want this to be 471 00:41:37,690 --> 00:41:44,330 sold. This is a benefit for all and to keep your hands off our lands. So for me I'm 472 00:41:44,330 --> 00:41:48,810 in huge support of this and I appreciate everyone coming out and online and I'll 473 00:41:48,810 --> 00:41:49,630 Passed over to Madam Chair. 474 00:41:50,230 --> 00:41:50,970 All right, thank you. 475 00:41:51,710 --> 00:41:55,770 I could go on and on, and I tend to do that and known for that, 476 00:41:55,910 --> 00:41:58,010 so I'm gonna keep it maybe medium short today. 477 00:41:59,050 --> 00:42:01,690 I have been going to public lands since I was born. 478 00:42:01,910 --> 00:42:04,490 Since I was two years old, we would go out and play 479 00:42:04,490 --> 00:42:06,290 on the BLM lands in Moab. 480 00:42:06,730 --> 00:42:09,610 We would go up in the Laplata, up the Dolores River. 481 00:42:10,090 --> 00:42:13,450 I love that comment about packing up the family and going out. 482 00:42:13,610 --> 00:42:15,890 We did horseback trips on the John Bull Trail. 483 00:42:15,890 --> 00:42:18,450 If you've never done it, I recommend it over by Dunton. 484 00:42:19,030 --> 00:42:23,030 We would go to Dunton back in the day before it was $250, $500 a night. 485 00:42:23,210 --> 00:42:29,390 But anyway, these are a part of my DNA, like nothing else. 486 00:42:30,190 --> 00:42:38,290 And when I see the attacks that I am seeing on the very fundamental nature of public lands, 487 00:42:38,290 --> 00:42:48,490 the list for cell-off, the gutting of our firefighting forces, and our San Juan Public Land Center. 488 00:42:49,070 --> 00:42:56,810 When I see the indiscriminate slash illegal firing of people who were in there, and they 489 00:42:56,810 --> 00:43:02,890 were fired for cause and for illegal reasons. 490 00:43:03,550 --> 00:43:06,010 Some very good people have lost their jobs. 491 00:43:06,010 --> 00:43:08,430 They're now out on the streets looking for jobs. 492 00:43:08,910 --> 00:43:09,970 What were they doing before? 493 00:43:10,530 --> 00:43:11,850 They were cleaning out toilets. 494 00:43:12,470 --> 00:43:14,270 They were doing biological assessments. 495 00:43:14,730 --> 00:43:16,510 They were doing water quality monitoring. 496 00:43:17,070 --> 00:43:19,710 They were writing the range, making sure that people 497 00:43:19,710 --> 00:43:20,970 cleaned out their campfires. 498 00:43:22,070 --> 00:43:27,150 And I can't tell you how angry I am about where we're at 499 00:43:27,150 --> 00:43:30,310 in American history when the one unique thing to America 500 00:43:31,030 --> 00:43:33,810 are national lands, whether they're national parks, 501 00:43:33,810 --> 00:43:42,970 whether it's Forest Service BLM on the state level CPW, Bureau of Recreation where you can do that kind of recreation. 502 00:43:44,690 --> 00:43:52,790 I can't believe they're under attack and I don't think it's with the majority of American people, Colorado and the Plata County in support. 503 00:43:53,410 --> 00:43:58,910 I could not be more proud that if we are indeed are the first county in the country, yay on that. 504 00:43:58,910 --> 00:44:08,930 And it is because of you out there in the audience, and people not here that you brought this to me, and I just want to say thank you for your passion. 505 00:44:09,910 --> 00:44:16,850 Thank you for caring. I agree with you, and I'm not sure I would have said this three or four years ago, we are going to have to fight. 506 00:44:17,790 --> 00:44:25,150 I am a person as people know in my background, a mediator, a facilitator. I have always believed in bringing people together. 507 00:44:25,150 --> 00:44:27,330 I still believe in that strongly. 508 00:44:27,490 --> 00:44:32,010 That's how we got the Hermosa Creek wilderness protection and special management area. 509 00:44:32,350 --> 00:44:34,810 It's how we got the NCA bill that is being introduced. 510 00:44:35,110 --> 00:44:38,130 The Gort bill, which is up by Gunnison, and many, many others. 511 00:44:38,730 --> 00:44:42,550 But I am afraid we are in a time when we are going to have to fight. 512 00:44:42,810 --> 00:44:45,290 That's going to have to maybe be the first tool in the toolkit. 513 00:44:46,090 --> 00:44:49,530 And it's a good point, resolutions are words, but they have power. 514 00:44:49,530 --> 00:44:59,570 And I hope this prompts other county commissioners in Colorado in the country to say yes, this is a time when we are tested like our democracy is being tested now 515 00:45:00,000 --> 00:45:29,900 You have to say what your values are. And our values are public lands, public land access. And I would note, it's not just public land for recreation. We have grazers, we have people that ride their snowmobiles. I am a, my husband and I do hybrid formal driving than hiking and camping. And so I know this is a little bit of a speech. I apologize, I feel so strongly about this. And I believe that with enough action and enough calling, we are going to make a difference across this country. 516 00:45:29,900 --> 00:45:33,200 I think when you have things that are swinging so far, 517 00:45:33,980 --> 00:45:36,640 it brings out people that maybe aren't the usual suspects, 518 00:45:36,640 --> 00:45:38,220 and I see a little bit of that today. 519 00:45:38,840 --> 00:45:41,460 So I'm obviously in strong support of this. 520 00:45:41,700 --> 00:45:43,580 I appreciate what all of you are doing. 521 00:45:44,000 --> 00:45:46,060 Yes, please make calls every day. 522 00:45:46,620 --> 00:45:48,380 There's all kinds of apps you can find. 523 00:45:48,840 --> 00:45:51,460 And I also want to note for people that maybe are 524 00:45:51,460 --> 00:45:53,120 from the agriculture community, 525 00:45:53,620 --> 00:45:55,300 who are from the watershed community, 526 00:45:55,480 --> 00:45:56,920 who are from the hunting community, 527 00:45:57,420 --> 00:45:58,500 the outfitting community. 528 00:45:58,500 --> 00:46:00,100 The public lands are for everybody. 529 00:46:00,600 --> 00:46:05,800 That multiple use, the concept of brown signs, is really important to all of us. 530 00:46:06,300 --> 00:46:13,280 And so I have this strong value, not just for the ecosystems, although that was a very good point. 531 00:46:13,840 --> 00:46:17,780 But also for the water systems, and for the forestry systems. 532 00:46:17,980 --> 00:46:26,660 And for everything we are trying to do, as a county, with the city, with Durango fire, with wildfire adapted, with all the HOAs, like Commissioner Churches. 533 00:46:26,660 --> 00:46:36,900 The this idea that we're now seeing projects halted that we're going to literally save Durango, including one in one person's neighborhood who's sitting here. 534 00:46:37,420 --> 00:46:44,740 We've done all this planning and all this collaboration and now we're seeing things halted, but we're going to win this because we're on the right side of history. 535 00:46:45,440 --> 00:46:48,540 And we are on the right side of the issue, people love our lands. 536 00:46:49,100 --> 00:46:51,200 And so thank you for indulging me. 537 00:46:51,200 --> 00:46:53,260 I appreciate everybody being here today. 538 00:46:53,900 --> 00:47:00,820 I hope if you're listening, no matter what your politics are, please know this is coming from a place of this is the American way of life. 539 00:47:01,400 --> 00:47:04,480 And it's being threatened, and thank you all for being here. 540 00:47:04,680 --> 00:47:08,300 I am in strong support and would take a motion for a resolution. 541 00:47:16,800 --> 00:47:17,320 Yes. 542 00:47:17,780 --> 00:47:22,800 I move to a food and sign resolution 2025-09 supporting public lands. 543 00:47:23,120 --> 00:47:23,760 All in favor? 544 00:47:24,040 --> 00:47:24,400 Aye. 545 00:47:24,800 --> 00:47:25,000 Aye. 546 00:47:25,460 --> 00:47:25,800 Thank you. 547 00:47:26,000 --> 00:47:26,640 Thank you everybody. 548 00:47:31,160 --> 00:47:31,680 Okay, 549 00:47:34,400 --> 00:47:38,240 I skipped the most important part, I apologize, Sarah reading it into the record. 550 00:47:39,880 --> 00:47:44,820 And that's for people that may be listening later and don't have it in front of them and 551 00:47:45,320 --> 00:47:46,020 I skipped it. 552 00:47:46,200 --> 00:47:46,720 So thank you. 553 00:47:47,200 --> 00:47:47,800 Thank you. 554 00:47:48,540 --> 00:47:53,220 La Plata County, Colorado, is home to a significant portion of public lands, comprising 555 00:47:53,220 --> 00:48:03,360 Approximately 42,381 of the total area, which are integral to the county's economy, environment, and quality of life. 556 00:48:03,920 --> 00:48:22,140 And whereas these public lands managed by federal agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service, San Juan Public Land Center, and the Bureau of Reclamation Trust Trace Rio's Field Office, provide essential resources including grazing lands for agricultural operations, habitats for wildlife, 557 00:48:22,140 --> 00:48:26,640 life, drinking water, and nearly endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. 558 00:48:27,680 --> 00:48:32,620 And whereas, Laplata County recognizes the importance of multiple uses of public lands, 559 00:48:33,080 --> 00:48:37,680 including but not limited to grazing, energy development, and recreation. 560 00:48:38,320 --> 00:48:42,300 And whereas the residents of Laplata County deeply value these public lands for 561 00:48:42,300 --> 00:48:47,280 their beauty and recreational, economic, cultural, and spiritual significance, 562 00:48:47,740 --> 00:48:50,200 recognizing that these lands are accessible to all. 563 00:48:50,200 --> 00:48:58,380 regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender, and this is evidenced by high participation in local stewardship, 564 00:48:58,940 --> 00:49:00,880 trail organizations, and events. 565 00:49:01,480 --> 00:49:05,320 And whereas public lands contribute significantly to the local economy, 566 00:49:05,720 --> 00:49:12,980 through activities such as outdoor recreation, tourism attractions, mineral extraction, timber sales and ranching, 567 00:49:13,360 --> 00:49:17,540 all of which contributes substantially to the Plata County and Colorado's economy. 568 00:49:17,540 --> 00:49:22,580 And whereas federal management of these public lands ensures that resources are managed 569 00:49:22,840 --> 00:49:28,260 for the benefit of all Americans, addressing complex challenges such as wildfire management, 570 00:49:28,740 --> 00:49:34,180 wildfire preparedness, watershed protection, and wildlife conservation. 571 00:49:34,800 --> 00:49:40,100 And whereas the costs associated with managing these lands are in national responsibility, 572 00:49:40,520 --> 00:49:45,640 and federal involvement is crucial for the long-term health and sustainability of these resources. 573 00:49:45,640 --> 00:50:12,060 And whereas the Platy County is aware of the actual or proposed budget cuts and layoffs at these agencies which comprise their capacity to respond to growing visitation numbers, management of rangelands, trails and trailheads, and comprises their collective ability to fight wildfire, I'm sorry, compromises their collective ability to fight wildfires and conserve these lands for future generations to enjoy. 574 00:50:12,880 --> 00:50:31,540 And whereas, Lepada County is an oil and gas energy producing county with a long history of balancing conservation needs with industry regulations, and there are currently federal regulations on public lands in place to curb pollution, especially methane and ongoing issue throughout the four corners. 575 00:50:31,540 --> 00:50:37,620 And whereas there are ongoing efforts to transfer or sell off our public lands, 576 00:50:37,940 --> 00:50:44,720 which are inconsistent with the values and interests of the residents of La Blata County and the broader Colorado community. 577 00:50:45,300 --> 00:50:56,140 And whereas the 2023 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan revealed that Colorado Outdoor Recreation in Colorado 578 00:50:57,180 --> 00:51:01,800 Generated $65.8 billion in economic output. 579 00:51:02,320 --> 00:51:06,560 Contributed $36.5 billion to the state's GDP. 580 00:51:07,420 --> 00:51:13,800 Supported 404,000 jobs and generated $11.2 billion in tax revenue. 581 00:51:14,340 --> 00:51:21,540 Demonstrating the profound economic significance of public lands and outdoor recreation to the state and to La Plata County. 582 00:51:22,460 --> 00:51:38,400 And whereas the Colorado recreation industry in Colorado contributed over 17 billion to the state's economy in 2023, supporting 132,500 jobs, demonstrating the significant economic impact of public lands. 583 00:51:38,860 --> 00:51:50,540 And whereas the Colorado General Assembly has recognized the importance of public lands throughout initiatives such as public lands day and the memorialization of the Camp Hale Continental Divide National Monument. 584 00:51:50,540 --> 00:51:56,540 Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Laplata County Board of County Commissioners of Laplata County 585 00:51:56,540 --> 00:52:03,660 hereby expresses its strong support for the continued federal management and stewardship of public lands within Laplata County. 586 00:52:04,320 --> 00:52:10,200 Encourages the maintenance of appropriate workforce numbers at public land management agencies 587 00:52:10,200 --> 00:52:13,440 in order to manage lands for the betterment of all. 588 00:52:14,120 --> 00:52:19,680 Opposes any effort to sell, transfer or dispose of these public lands without a public process. 589 00:52:19,680 --> 00:52:25,020 Opposes any rollback of federal public land's methane regulations. 590 00:52:25,740 --> 00:52:40,860 Encourages the Colorado Congressional delegation to oppose any legislation that would negatively impact public lands and to support policies that ensure their long term preservation and sustainable use. 591 00:52:41,680 --> 00:52:48,220 Recognizes the multiple uses of public lands and encourages a balanced approach to land management. 592 00:52:48,220 --> 00:52:55,040 And urges federally and management agencies to continue their collaborative efforts with local communities, 593 00:52:55,340 --> 00:53:02,340 stakeholders, and other governmental entities to ensure effective and responsible management of public lands. 594 00:53:02,800 --> 00:53:09,780 Be it further resolved that copies of this resolution will be sent to members of the Colorado Congressional delegation, 595 00:53:10,360 --> 00:53:13,880 the governor of Colorado, and relevant federally and management agencies. 596 00:53:14,460 --> 00:53:15,500 Thank you, commissioners. 597 00:53:15,500 --> 00:53:18,580 Thank you so much, Sarah, and for beautiful writing on that. 598 00:53:24,060 --> 00:53:25,180 All right, thank you. 599 00:53:25,320 --> 00:53:27,700 We will go on very briefly to commission reports. 600 00:53:29,180 --> 00:53:30,080 Thank you, everybody. 601 00:53:31,000 --> 00:53:33,960 You can stay to hear what we're up to, but that's up to you. 602 00:53:36,240 --> 00:53:36,680 Commissioner Church? 603 00:53:36,940 --> 00:53:45,480 Sure, this afternoon, I have a fire smart meeting, a C-CAT this evening meeting, 604 00:53:47,640 --> 00:53:47,920 and 605 00:53:48,840 --> 00:53:59,220 Thursday and Friday of this week and also a transportation planning board meeting on Thursday. 606 00:53:59,800 --> 00:54:02,280 So that covers this week pretty significantly. 607 00:54:03,000 --> 00:54:04,340 Thank you, Commissioner Church. 608 00:54:04,960 --> 00:54:05,300 Commissioner Zalca? 609 00:54:06,320 --> 00:54:13,760 Yes, just a couple items here and that is, thank you for just for staff for moving in the 610 00:54:13,760 --> 00:54:23,480 schedule around since I will be just for all your reference at 1.30 meeting with governor's staff on a bill, a bill for matters of concerns that you're all aware of. 611 00:54:24,380 --> 00:54:30,480 And so I'll be happy to report that back once that that meeting finalize finishes. 612 00:54:31,480 --> 00:54:38,060 But then also to, I will be attending, just let you all know, I will be attending tomorrow's Wednesday's C-CAT meeting. 613 00:54:38,380 --> 00:54:46,040 Okay, perfect, I've been asked to do an update for 1147 as well after today's meeting with staff at the state. 614 00:54:47,020 --> 00:54:53,260 And then I will be out of the office and back out of the office on Thursday and back on Wednesday. 615 00:54:53,540 --> 00:54:58,000 So I just want to let you know that I'll be away, but there is an executive session and I'll be logging in remotely. 616 00:54:58,480 --> 00:55:04,140 All right. Thank you, Commissioner Salka. Yes, we have a lot of interviews today for Board 617 00:55:04,140 --> 00:55:09,300 of Health, Southwest Library District. Tomorrow, I'm going to the Green Business Roundtable. 618 00:55:09,920 --> 00:55:14,400 And then we have a sword meeting. That's Southwest opioid response district meeting. 619 00:55:14,980 --> 00:55:19,300 Sea cat meeting is tomorrow night. That's an all-member meeting. We're getting in, we're in 620 00:55:19,300 --> 00:55:24,540 the thick of the legislative season. So that will be an interesting meeting. Steering committee 621 00:55:24,540 --> 00:55:35,000 meeting Thursday and Friday. On Thursday afternoon, I have a regional housing authority board meeting and then I'm going to the FLC presidential meet and greet. 622 00:55:35,920 --> 00:55:40,820 And then also on Friday pending our steering committee means how's that going? 623 00:55:41,980 --> 00:55:49,680 Fort Lewis College has their new building opening and I'll have to look at the invite for which building it is. I'm not sure it doesn't say my calendar. 624 00:55:49,680 --> 00:56:09,580 I'm sure it's anybody know what's their new building, it's not their health sciences anyway they have a new building opening that we will be I will be at so and then Saturday is is the earth parade and then there's going to be a real positive collaborative Earth Day event at Buckley Park for people who are interested in probably events in other parts of the county. 625 00:56:10,560 --> 00:56:11,220 That's it. 626 00:56:11,220 --> 00:56:12,820 All right, anything else? 627 00:56:13,080 --> 00:56:13,520 Madam Chair. 628 00:56:13,700 --> 00:56:13,920 Yes. 629 00:56:14,240 --> 00:56:16,760 I look to head to the next week. 630 00:56:17,240 --> 00:56:20,560 I do have a Forest Health Council leveraging resources. 631 00:56:21,380 --> 00:56:22,080 There's a State Committee. 632 00:56:23,320 --> 00:56:26,940 It's proposed three pieces of legislation to create healthier forests. 633 00:56:27,960 --> 00:56:30,000 That's an important group here. 634 00:56:30,300 --> 00:56:34,120 And then living with wildlife advisory board on Monday evening. 635 00:56:34,840 --> 00:56:37,240 So there's a lot of work going on behind the scenes. 636 00:56:38,620 --> 00:56:42,160 and a lot of people involved and committed in carrying the message. 637 00:56:42,540 --> 00:56:42,820 Thank you. 638 00:56:43,300 --> 00:56:43,620 All right. 639 00:56:43,760 --> 00:56:44,080 Thank you. 640 00:56:44,320 --> 00:56:45,420 Chuck, do you have anything for us? 641 00:56:45,720 --> 00:56:46,940 I have no reports today. 642 00:56:47,060 --> 00:56:47,300 Thank you. 643 00:56:47,600 --> 00:56:48,060 All right, Cheryl. 644 00:56:49,280 --> 00:56:54,640 I would note there is a financial report very important now as we look at our budget issues 645 00:56:54,640 --> 00:56:55,540 in our packet. 646 00:56:55,800 --> 00:57:01,860 So on that note, we will adjourn this meeting and move on to the board sitting as the marijuana 647 00:57:01,860 --> 00:57:02,880 licensing authority. 648 00:57:03,280 --> 00:57:04,940 Thank you again, everybody, for being here. 649 00:57:08,280 --> 00:57:09,360 recording stopped. 650 00:57:30,560 --> 00:57:31,960 The photo of this ring. 651 00:57:33,620 --> 00:57:34,400 Thank you. 652 00:57:34,400 --> 00:57:35,320 I don't like it very much.