News and Events

Because our sole focus right now is on Christo's "Over the River" Project proposed for the Bighorn Sheep Canyon of the Arkansas River in Colorado, ROAR is offering upcoming events and opportunities to voice your opposition to the Christo's O.T.R. project.

The following information will bring you up to date. You can also read our blog for the latest significant updates and information.

In response to the tremendous public input on this project, followed in June, 2006, by a request from the artists for the full Environmental Impact Study, BLM officials have upgraded their evaluation process from a simpler Environmental Assessment (EA) to a full Environmental Impact Study (EIS). This could require years of investigation and cost Christo millions of dollars, according to officials at the BLM.

Once the EIS is released, then what?

• The public could appeal the EIS to the Interior Board of Land Appeals (IBLA), which is a board of Judges in Washington, D.C., but the project could still be implemented during that time.
• The Decision could be appealed to the BLM State Director.
• The decision could also be challenged in federal court after the IBLA issues its decision.

It has been rumored that the DOW (Division of Wildlife) and AHRA (Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area) will accept whatever BLM decides.

Meanwhile, CDOT (Co. Dept. of Transportation) is doing its own traffic study to determine if it will issue a permit. It is generally believed that the State Patrol will accept the findings of CDOT.

The County Commissioners of Fremont County have not yet received a formal application from Christo, according to Ed Norden, District 3 Commissioner (Western Fremont County). It is not known how the Commissioners will decide, nor what data they are considering. They have requested that Arkansas Valley Ambulance prepare an Impact Statement for them.

How to find out more

Check our News and Events and Docs & Pics pages.

Read our Blog for status, announcements, upcoming events, and more.

Visit Christo's website to see his proposed design and calendar for the project.

How to get involved