Protecting Why You Love It Here
Since 1977
As the fight to Save Red Lady continues . . .
Sue Navy, HCCA’s board president, reflects on this 47 year journey.
I am Red Lady #11. This means that back in 1988, I was already into my eleventh year of devotion to keeping Red Lady mine-free. I never thought it would take this long, but always believed we’d be triumphant in this David v. Goliath battle.
Whether climbing/skiing Red Lady or just seeing her from my window, this iconic mountain has always been superimposed on and embedded into my life. Her presence and meaning to our community cannot be exaggerated. Red Lady embodies the beauty around us, and empowers us to protect her from forces that would greatly impact her essence and ours.
One of my earliest memories is of the day in August, 1981, that we (about 50 people) climbed Red Lady to celebrate the announced departure of Amax, the mining company that had threatened our mountain valleys for four years.We summited, and were astonished to see a helicopter flying overhead. The Denver 7 helicopter landed on the narrow peak, bringing our Mayor Mitchell, in his wheelchair, to the celebration. Mitchell had been instrumental in our
“win” that year, and having him appear elevated our jubilation. Little did we know that there would be several other mining attempts to follow over the ensuing decades. Each one was met by our determined resistance, bringing us ever-closer to successful closure on this long-fought battle.
As we celebrate the achievement of the 20-year mineral withdrawal and await the completion of the land exchange process, the meaning of Red Lady in my life cannot be overstated. We couldn’t be at this “almost” point without solidarity among our Town, County, US Senators, state and federal agencies, and even the current mining company. It’s been a personally fulfilling and rewarding journey for me. I will always know that every bit of my own effort over the last half-century has been well worth it!
Sue Navy
HCCA Board President
Areas of Work
Red Lady
Red Lady rises from the western edge of Crested Butte’s scenic National Historic District and is a favorite of skiers, sportsmen, and recreationists. In the course of 44 years, Red Lady has been the target of three mining proposals that HCCA successfully led the community’s fight to defeat.
Public Lands
Since fighting a planned timber sale on Kebler Pass in the early 1980s, HCCA’s Public Lands Program has been protecting threatened landscapes, preventing harms to important ecosystems, and promoting sustainable enjoyment of the diverse public lands of the Gunnison Country.
Water
HCCA’s Water Program aims to enhance the health of stream and riparian ecosystems by protecting healthy instream flows, improving water efficiency and conservation through local partnerships, and by using the best science available to collaborate with water resource managers about water management planning.
Stewardship
HCCA’s Stewardship Program worked collaboratively with land management agencies and community organizations to address climate resiliency through the coordination of on-the-ground stewardship projects. These past volunteer-driven projects connect and educate the local community through restoring the health and ecological resiliency of our shared public lands.
Gunnison Sage Grouse is one of many works found within the Contemporary Icons of Threatened and Endangered Species series.
Please give to High Country Conservation Advocates and support environmental conservation on public lands in Gunnison County, Colorado.
News
