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.

Coming in 2010: Draft EIS due out in mid-July. Following the DEIS release, there is a 45-day comment period. Read the BLM info and timeline.

BLM's Project Manager for OTR, Vince Hooper, recently presented an update to Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area's Citizen Task Force (CTF). Read the Mountain Mail report.

While anticipating BLM's release of the Draft EIS, ROAR has been busy:

• Many citizens throughout Colorado are writing letters to local newspapers.
• ROAR is monitoring Christo's media and political activities.
• We also continue to research Christo's project proposal as submitted to BLM. See our abbreviated PowerPoint view of OTR construction.
• Look for us at community events such as Howard's Chili Cookoff and Canon City's Music Blossom Festival.
• Of course, we always welcome your support through ROAR membership.

Once the EIS Decision of Record is released (projected for Spring 2011), 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.

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

How to get involved