Links to Photo Documentation

Documents, Photos and Updates

Federal Lawsuit Documents:

• Read the lawsuit complaint as filed February 1, 2012.
• August 14: Judge Kane issues Amended Stay order, halting any OTR progress pending 3rd party IBLA appeal plus 60 days. Read the order.
• ROAR's August 6 Reply to Motion to Amend.
• Read the motion document.
• Judge Kane's Stay order and denial of BLM's motion to dismiss ROAR's lawsuit.
• Other documents, info and links.

ROAR's informational flyer outlines the latest OTR developments, unresolved problems that still exist, and what you can do to help us protect Bighorn Sheep Canyon and the Arkansas River environs and its residents. Feel free to download and print copies of this 2-sided tri-fold document to share with others.

Read ROAR's analysis that exposes the traffic problems and safety hazards of OTR's construction plan.
Read HTML (web browser) version.
Download PDF version.

Recent articles and published letters:

• Denver Post: online-only guest column.
• Salida's Mountain Mail letter to editor. (Also printed in Canon City Daily Record.)
• Letter protesting virtual "tax" from OTR permitting process.

Recent print and Web polls show most citizens oppose OTR.

Fremont County Sheriff opposes OTR.

Read his letter to Fremont County Commissioners.
Page 1
Page 2
(NOTE: Each page is available as image-only text file. For slower internet connections, please allow time for complete download.)

ROAR's recent comments to Fremont County for OTR permit:

• ROAR's comment letter to Fremont County Commissioners.
• ROAR's supplemental comment letter.
• ROAR speaks to County against OTR's Destruction.
• ROAR Points out deaths caused by Christo's previous projects.
• ROAR Disputes OTR Fairytale Outcome for Sheep.

July 25, 2011: Lawsuit Filed in Opposition to State Parks Action

Rags Over the Arkansas River (ROAR), Arkansas River Fly Shop and ArkAnglers filed a lawsuit Friday, July 22, 2011 charging the Colorado Board of Parks and Outdoor Recreation with violating its own regulations by permitting the Over the River Corporation to use the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Parks facilities, for up to five years, for a large-scale, industrial art exhibition over the Arkansas River between Salida and Canon City.

Please read more.

ROAR's comments to BLM on the FEIS
Read the letters referenced in ROAR's comment letter:

• C Neville - Flyfishing Guide
• B Goforth - Retired DOW
• Rocky Mountain Wild Org.

Archived Documents and Letters

Photos that document some of the objections to Christo's "Over the River" project

Colorado State Parks and BLM Informational Signs in Bighorn Sheep Canyon

Christo's Rifle Gap project.

Copper Gulch Road as an Alternate Route?

Environmental: Soil Disturbance Promotes Noxious Weeds

Canyon Information Signs

These photos show you some samples of the signs posted in the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) sites and BLM areas, most of which are in proposed OTR display areas. They point out the fragility of the riparian, wildlife and other environmental features, some notable historical remnants and necessary respect for private property.

The signs below are interactive - move your mouse over them for a closer look.

The bighorn sheep, which this canyon is named for, have developed into a very healthy population. They have especially thrived since the Railroad went out of use in the 1990's. The abandoned tracks across the river from car traffic and virtually all human access has provided a safe corridor for them. Canyon visitors love to watch these wild creatures.

Apparently the state and federal agencies who oversee this habitat endorse the care of these animals and their habitat, as evidenced by the agency insignias on the signs along the canyon.

The sign at right is at the west end of the Pinnacle Rock recreation area. It explains a bit about the riparian (riverside) habitat of the Bighorn Sheep Canyon. From grass to trees, insects to fish, birds to mammals, all are interdependent for survival. Human intervention does have an impact, and can be catastrophic!

If we are instructed to be so careful in this environment, how can an invasive, destructive project such as Christo's Over the River drapes even be considered here?

(Remember to roll your computer mouse over the sections of the sign to read each point listed.)

Below, the Kingfisher is one of the river inhabitants detailed on the "Travel with Care" sign.