Documents and Photos

DU Law Students file Lawsuit Against BLM on behalf of ROAR

Read the lawsuit complaint as filed February 1, 2012.
Other links and info are on our Home Page.

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 Cañon City.

Download and Read the press release announcing this action.

Download and Read the full text of the complaint (lawsuit).

Background Information:

June 24, 2011: The Colorado Parks and Outdoor Recreation Board approved an agreement with OTR Corporation.

Please bear in mind that this is not the permit that Christo needs to proceed with the project, which can only be granted by the BLM. This agreement is contingent on BLM's full or partial approval of the project.

• Memorandum of Agreement between Colorado State Parks and OTR Corporation.
• Ellen T. Bauder, PhD, VP of ROAR: oral comments to State Parks Board (Word doc.)
• ROAR's official printed comment document submitted to Colorado State Parks Board.

Note: if you have problems downloading any of our Word or PDF documents, click here.

Press Release: AHRA State Park Advisory Board vetoes OTR.

Archived Documents and Letters
Photos and Diagrams

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.