I am a full-time flyfishing guide. I live and work on the Arkansas River. My deep concerns about the Christo “Over the River” project include the multiple environmental impacts, the damage to the quality of the canyon as a destination fishery, the safety of both people and wildlife, and the personal and community economic impacts.
Let me be clear: I’m not against the Christo project as “art.” I am, however, adamantly set against the location. The two weeks of display I could deal with. It’s the years of construction and dismantling that is the deal-breaker.
At one public meeting, Christo said commuting delays are “not a serious question.” Jeanne-Claude called personal economic concerns “petty demands.”
My job along the length of Bighorn Sheep Canyon is seasonal. I must make all my year’s income within a few months. The 2-week display is in the very heart of my working season. Normally, I can make enough money during that 2 weeks to pay nearly 2 months of health insurance, car insurance, groceries and utilities. That’s not “petty,” Jeanne-Claude, it’s my livelihood.
During construction and display, I won’t simply be delayed a few minutes getting to “the office.” The project is in my office! Additionally, closing 300-400 feet of a lane brings this canyon to a standstill. Scores of workers like myself will be impeded in the actual performance of our jobs during the entire time of setup, display and disassembly.
Christo promises town leaders and business owners enticing dollar amounts that will add to the expected income of one particular summer. This is deceptive. As a community, we will not gain all the extra money we’re being promised. Any added revenues will be offset by the loss of income during years of diminished “normal” visitor numbers. Many people – flyfishers in particular - will avoid the crowds and traffic issues you are predicting. This means fewer dollars in my pocket and in the flyshop that supports my living. These are also dollars lost to motels, restaurants and gas stations. If you take the money from my pocket, who helps me replace it?
What about the degradation of the quality of the visitor experience? Visitors to the Arkansas River canyon come here to escape urban noise, pollution, traffic and crowds, not get another dose of it here. Flyfishers especially value this river for its comparative solitude, quality fishing and extensive public access. Who wants to fish across from trains and construction?
This is urban art. If city-dwelling businesses and politicians support this project so much, then have it in Canon City, Pueblo, or some other urban locale. Do NOT impose it on an outdoor environment whose natural beauty is sought after for its own value, and whose economy is based on protecting that value.
-Arkansas River Fly Fishing Guide