'Not as bad as some make it out'
Dear Editor:
As a resident of Cañon City since 1983, I have invested much into this community.
The Arkansas River Valley means a great deal to me, and I would not support anything that would compromise its beauty, value or future. After careful study, conversation and thought, I confidently support Christo and Jeanne-Claude's "Over the River" project.
The temporary work of art by world-renowned artists proposed for summer 2013, will be an awesome privilege and experience for our valley.
Clearly our valley is a beautiful place, and honestly - it is not a pristine, untouched wilderness.
U.S. 50 and the railroad tracks were blasted out of the valley walls many decades ago, and ever since it has been home to a daily parade of rafts, trains, semi-trailer trucks, motor homes and automobiles.
Yes, it's a wonderful place, but not untouched.
So here's my question. If the beauty of our valley has remained intact through the years, and all the wildlife and ecosystems have continued to thrive despite the many visitors, vehicles, rafts and railroads, will a temporary exhibition cause the catastrophic destruction some have described?
Let's match facts with the exaggerations when it comes to the OTR project. Yes, there will be construction with minor inconveniences. But with all that the valley has endured, a two week event and the construction period will not significantly alter it.
As I read the reports and conversed with Christo and Jeanne-Claude, I learned they are truly committed to implementing all measures possible to minimize the impacts of construction. Whether it's fitting all equipment with noise mufflers or creating buffer zones around sensitive wildlife areas, the artists have shown they are just as concerned as we are about protecting our valley and celebrating its beauty.
The good news is that the Bureau of Land Management is in the midst of a comprehensive environmental impact statement that will determine once and for all exactly what the impacts will be.
The draft version is due out in June, and then we can sort the truth from the rumors and exaggerations and learn how this project will truly affect our valley.
My guess is that it won't be nearly as bad as some are making it out to be. You too can learn more online at www.overtheriverinfo.com.
Terri Madigan,
Cañon City
|
