Uncompahgre, Colorado

Bear Creek Trail in the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Credit: GORP

Colorado's Uncompahgre Wilderness area is a treasure of the American West, with elevations spanning from 8,400 to 14,300 feet.  The Wilderness is a mountainous land of towering rock castles and sweeping ridges that form the most splendid scenery in the state.  The Uncompahgre Wilderness is very popular with hikers, climbers and other recreationists who contribute substantially to the local economy.  (source: Wilderness.net, Uncompahgre). 

Robin Redbreast mine proposal

This pristine area is threatened by the proposed Robin Redbreast gold mine.  The mining claim was staked before the area was designated as a Wilderness Area by the federal government, but the validity of the claim has been upheld by the courts.

The proposed mine would be five miles inside of the Wilderness on a popular hiking trail.  The presence of this mine could lead to noise pollution not in character with a Wilderness area, the spread of noxious weeds, and acid mine drainage.  Mining within a designated Wilderness is not an acceptable use of public lands.  Public lands managers need a more explicate right to deny mines in special places.

The Forest Service has circulated for comment a draft Environmental Impact Statement and is in the process of writing a Final Environmental Impact Statement.

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